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CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 



AT THEIR FIRST 

CENTExNNlAL CELKBRATION, 

Novcrabfir 20.1844. 



^ ADAM REID, 

PASTOR OP THF- CflURCH, 



JD p I i \) f V 1 11 1' 11 c q u r ?5 c , 




HARTFORD. 




C5_ ,.. PRESS OF ELIHU GEER, 26 STATE ST. ,^. 

.^ M.DCCr.XLV, ^ 



HISTORICAL ADDEES8, 



BEFORE THE 



CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 



.AMSffillFIETs (BDWH 



°S 



AT THEIR FIRST 



CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION, 



November 20, 1844. 



By ADAM REID 

PASTOR OF THE CHURCH. 



3Belibcrcfl hs a^cqucst. 



HARTFORD. 

PRESS OF ELIHU GEER, 26 STATE ST 

M.DCCC.XLV. 



I 



C^n 






Eev. Adam Reid: 

Dear Sir — The undersigned, being appointed a Committee to procure 
the publication of the Historical Discourse delivered by you at the Centen- 
nial Celebration of the Congregational Church, November 20tli, 1844, 
liereby present you their thanks for it personally, and on behalf of the 
Church, and request a copy for the press. 

Yours with much respect, 

Jonathan Lee, ^ 

Lot Norton, 1 Committee 

William C. Sterling, j of the Church, 
Timothy Chittenden. J 
Salisbury, January 20th, 1845. 



Note. — For the materials of this Address, I am indebted, with a few 
slight exceptions, to the Town and Church Records ; and wherever it 
seemed possible, the language of these Records, in the statement of facts 
and events, has been retained. 



ADDRESS 



One hundred years ago a church of Christ was organized in 
this place, and Mr. Jonathan Lee ordained and installed their 
Pastor ; and we are this day met to commemorate the event. 
To meditate on the past, to dwell on the deeds and the virtues 
of our ancestry, and to sanctify times and seasons for their more 
special remembrance and celebration, has ever been deemed a 
profitable and becoming employment. It is sanctioned by scrip- 
ture. Once every year were the tribes of Israel commanded to 
assemble in Jerusalem, to commemorate the great event of the 
passover, when the angel of the Lord smote the first born of 
Egypt, and when in consequence, their fathers were led forth 
from that land of bondage with a high hand and an outstretched 
arm, and virtually began their national existence. It is hallowed 
by custom. Germany celebrates the birth day of Luther ; Prot- 
estant Christendon unites with her in commemorating the rise of 
the Reformation ; and we annually do honor to the day when 
our fathers forever renounced allegiance to the throne of Eng- 
land, declared themselves free and independent, and began to 
live as a nation. It is dictated by the holiest yearnings of nature. 
To venerate the memory of our fathers, to desire to dwell under 
the same old roof, to sit by the same old hearth-stone, to look on 
the same sights, and use the same household furniture, to drink 
water out of the same old well, drawn by the same old bucket, to 
stand under the shadow of the same old elm, and look out upon 



the same old mountains, to worship in the same sanctuary, and 
at last to lay our bones in the same sepulchre ; — what man own- 
ing a healthy and unsophisticated heart does not feel that this 
sentiment is a right and a proper one, honorable to our nature, 
and essential to true manhood ; — and what is this but the feel- 
ing that prompts us to a more special commemoration. 

" To be ignorant of what happened before we were born," 
says an ancient sage, " is to be always a child." History is but 
the tribute whicii the present pays to the past. If it be right to 
reverence old age, then is it right to reverence antiquity. It is 
simply the love of kindred and ancestry ; and a nation or an indi- 
vidual without this feeling, must ever be heady and high-minded, 
rash and revolutionary. It is a conservative feeling — a sober, 
filial, submissive feeling ; essential to a good mind — essential to 
peace, and good order, and wise thinking, and judicious advance ; 
— and they who would hastily condemn or break away from the 
sentiments of their fathers, rejecting them because they are old, 
and for the mere sake of showing their independence and supe- 
riority, prove that they are lacking in the best elements of men- 
tal greatness. They are unwise men — men of conceit — proud, 
ambitious, self-sufficient, headlong ; men whom we cannot love, 
and whom we will not trust. 

We honor the principle that makes the descendant of a long 
illustrious hne feel proud of his lineage, and love to dwell in the 
old baronial hall where his fathers have dwelt for a thousand years 
before him, and look with emotions of reverent delight on every 
grey turret and every antique, time-worn battlement. It is natu- 
ral and instinctive, sacred and hallowing. There never has been, 
and never can be, a truly great and patriotic character without it ; 
and every thing that tends to cherish this feeling in a nation — 
and especially a nation like ours, where from the very nature of 
our government, the tendencies to rashness and innovation are so 
strong — the famous battle-ground, the Thermopylae where 
fought and fell the assertors of its liberty, the home or the grave 



of the illustrious patriot, the small sequestered graveyard with its 
lowly monuments and quaint epitaphs, the old rebellious Charter 
Oak, and the tottering antiquated building ; — all ought to be 
guarded with a pious care and a filial veneration. They are sea 
marks in the tide of time, linking us with the days and deeds of 
the illustrious dead ; and if this holy, reverential feeling could be 
spread throughout the land, and incorporated with the national 
mind, it would do more to restrain the spirit of lawlessness, to 
give stability to our government, and to check that headlong, rev- 
olutionary tendency, which is everywhere prevalent, than all the 
terrors of the magistrate and all the enactments of the states- 
man. 

Communities are like individuals ; they have their infancy, 
their youth, their manhood, and very often, though not necessa- 
rily, their old age ; and to be able to form anything like a true 
estimate of their character, or a conjecture as to what, in all 
likelihood, will be their future destiny, we must study the earher 
stages of their history. We must know the character of their 
ancestry, the principles of their early training, the perilous or 
prosperous passages of their course, on what rocks they were in 
danger of foundering, through what straits they with difficulty 
ran, to what causes are owing the more peculiar features of their 
moral being, the events that awakened their energies and devel- 
oped their resources, and, in short, all the diversified experiences 
of their past life. By tracing the stream from its source down- 
wards, by observing the occurrencies that follow each other in 
regular sequence, we are able to discern those more recondite 
causes, and those more secret springs of action, whence have 
flowed events universally admitted it may be, yet hitherto unex- 
plained, or but very partially understood. 

The annals of a church in a country town like this must ne- 
cessarily be limited ; and yet in travelling over so wide a space as 
one hundred years, nothing more, it is obvious, than a mere sketch 
can be given, leaving many things entirely unnoticed, and 



8 

touching only on those events and features of the history which 
appear to be the more prominent and instructive. 

Nothing is more remarkable in the character of our fathers^ 
than the value vv^hich they attached to the public ordinances of 
religion. No sooner had the humble cottage been built to shel- 
ter themselves and their families, than efforts were made to 
obtain the establishment of the gospel ministry among them. — 
Their first want was a home to live in, their second a dwelling 
place for the God of Zion. They felt that, without the hallow- 
ing influences of Christianity, life would be unsanctified and 
unblest, and their children would grow up in heathenism, under 
the power of principles and passions which would defeat all the 
grand purposes of existence ; that the foundations of society 
would be insecure, unless laid upon the religion of Jesus Christ, 
as the chief corner stone ; and that whatever their civil institu- 
tions might be, or the skill and policy with which they were 
administered, or the outward advantages of their lot, the ele- 
ments of society would be ever loose and disjointed, and in dan- 
ger of dislocation and anarchy, without the cementing bond, the 
strong conservative influence of the gospel. They knew noth- 
ing of the unhallowed disorganizing maxim of our day, that 
politics and religion must be kept wholly unconnected, that in 
seeking to promote the one we are at liberty to disregard all the 
obligations of the other, that what is morally wrong may after 
all be politically right. Such a principle they would have justly 
deemed infidel and atheistical, incompatible with the exercise 
of a good conscience, dangerous to the interests of public liberty, 
the inlet to all knavery and dishonesty, and palpably opposed to 
the commonest principles of piety and morality ; and they would 
no more have thought of acting on it, than of attempting to over- 
turn the government of God, or to breathe without his will and 
live without his bounty. Religion with them was a paramount 
principle ; it shaped their laws, it governed them in the choice 
of their officers, it moulded their public speeches, it established , 



and regulated their schools, it governed the entire economy alike 
of their public and their private being. And we have yet to learn 
how or in what respects these sentiments of our noble ancestors 
were either unscriptural or impolitic ; or that in soundness of 
mind, in natural sagacity, in sober sense, in nobility of intellect, 
in sterling scholarship, in true eloquence, and in all that goes to 
make able statesmen and a prosperous people, they were inferior 
to any of their unworthy descendants of this day who affect to 
despise them. f 

And they would have been unworthy of theiri descent, as well 
as unfaithful to their God, if they had acted Otherwise. It is 
the glory of the Pilgrim fathers, that from the day of their land- 
ing on the rock of Plymouth, the establishment of the gospel 
ministry, and of all the institutions therewith cor^iected, was an 
object of paramount solicitude — I ought rather to have said, 
before the day of their landing. While yet in the cabin of the 
Mayflower, they had made full provision for the public worship 
of God. They were christian men — sober, grave, solid, reli- 
gious men — the winnowed wheat of old England — men who 
were willing to sacrifice their earthly all for the love of Clirist 
and liberty of conscience ; — and ere they had so much as looked 
on that rock-bound coast whither the hand of providence was 
leading them, or knew how or where they were to find a home 
to shelter themselves and their little ones from the unwonted 
rigors of an untried winter, they had entered into sacred com- 
pact ; and every arrangement which piety and self denial and 
wise sagacity could dictate, had been made for the regular 
administration of gospel ordinances. 

It is the fashion of the day to cast contempt on the character 
and institutions of these men — men to whom we owe everything 
of civil and religious hberty that exists in the land ; but we have 
no sympathy with such a course ; we pity it, and we despise it, 
as the offspring of a presumptuous ignorance or an unhallowed 
heart. We glory in these men — we glory in their characters — 
2 



10 

we glory in their principles — we glory in their institutions — we 
glory in our descent from them ; we deem them the holiest men 
the world has seen since the days of the apostles. When shall 
we look on such a band of matchless men again ; — so single- 
minded, so true to their God, so stern in integrity, so self-denying 
for the privileges of religion, so conscientious, so calm and confi- 
ding in adversity, so pure in motive, so holy in heart ! Oh ! that 
in this day of forgetfulness of God's house and contempt of God's 
ordinances, I could make the men around me feel how they cast 
shame and disgrace on the memorial of their fathers ; and how 
while some of ihem do actually bear the name and are the lineal 
descendants of those who planted the first church in the wilder- 
ness of New England, they are fallen, fallen far away from their 
spirit and the^ practice. 

But the meh whose deeds we are this day met to commemorate 
were true to tJheir descent, and careful of their birthright. They 
had the blood of the Pilgrims in their veins, and their character 
and conduct showed that they possessed the pilgrim spirit. — 
They had to encounter the perils of the wilderness, and to sub- 
mit to the unwonted hardships and privations that were common 
in the early settlements of New England. But the spirit that 
actuated them was found equal to their day. They brought 
their religion with them as their stay and their staflf, their shield 
and their buckler ; their courage of heart and their energy of 
arm were the offspring of it ; " they entered the wilderness not 
as heathen, but as worshippers of the true God ; and when they 
were yet few in numbers, with scanty means, and suffering great 
privations, they united their efforts for the maintenance of the 
worship of God, and assembled regularly and devoutly for that 
purpose, even when as matter of prudence they went armed, lest 
they should be taken by surprise, and put to death by their sav- 
age foes." 

Immediately after the incorporation of the town, efforts were 
made ^^ secure the regular preaching of the gospel. In January 



ill 

1742, a committee was appointed by the town to find a minister 
to preach to them three months ; and in June following a Mr. 
Hesterbrook was engaged for that period. Whether he remained 
with them longer than three months, or what supply they had, 
if any, from the close of his engagement on to April, 1743, we 
are not informed. In that month an effort was made to obtain a 
candidate, but without success. In May a Mr. Thomas Lewis 
was invited to preach on probation, which he did, for 17 Sabbaths ; 
but no call for settlement resulted. Soon afterwards, however, 
the services of Mr. Jonathan Lee were obtained, and on the 3d 
of January 1744, a call to settle was given him, which he accepted 
in a letter dated the 19th of August, in which he says, " As far 
as I can discover, I being called not only of you, but of God, I 
therefore do hereby testify mine acceptance of the call, and hereby 
profess my willingness to labor for your good in the work of the 
gospel ministry, according as I may be assisted by the grace of 
Almighty God ; and hoping and trusting in his goodness, and de- 
pending upon a continual remembrance in the fervent prayers of 
the faithful, I give and devote myself to Christ, and my services 
to you for his sake."* Accordingly, the necessary steps were im- 
mediately taken for his ordination ; the 23d day of November was 
fixed upon for the purpose ; and letters missive were issued call- 
ing a select council, " to gather a church, and to ordain Mr. Lee 
over them."f 

Up to this time no established place of worship had been erected 
in which the thinly scattered inhabitants might weekly assemble, 
and to accommodate all equally, the house of Henry Vandusen 
at Weatogue, of Cornelius Knickerbacker at Furnace Village, and 
of Nathaniel Buel at Limerock, had been fixed upon as places in 



»For the terms of Mr. Lee's settlement as well as the self denial whicli both he 
and the people had to exercise in order to secure the privileges of public worship, 
see the Centennial Address of Judge Church, page 25, 

t Note A. 



12 

which meetings were to be held alternately ; and this course was 
pursued for several years. Just previous to Mr. Lee's call, how- 
ever, the town had voted to erect " a log house, 30 feet long, 25 
wide, and 8 feet from floor to floor," which should serve the 
double purpose of a dwelling house for the minister, and a place 
of public worship on the Sabbath. In this log-house the select 
council that had been invited to ordain Mr. Lee met on the 22d 
of November, composed of the following ministers and lay dele- 
gates, or " worthy messengers," as they were called ; Rev. Daniel 
Humphreys of Derby, — worthy messenger, Daniel Holbrook ; 
Rev. Samuel Todd of Northbury — worthy messenger, Moses 
Blakesley ; Rev. Mark Leavenworth of Waterbury — worthy 
messenger, Stephen Hopkins. 

The council being duly formed entered on the business for 
which they had been called together ; and having " received sat- 
isfaction respecting the proceedings of the people in calling Mr. 
Lee," they proceeded first " to gather and embody a church, and 
then to examine Mr. Lee respecting his qualifications for the work 
of the ministry." The examination being " approved by them, 
both respecting his principles in religion and his experiences in 
religion," and the several parts of the public services having been 
duly assigned, the council adjourned to 8 o'clock next morning, 
when, after a season of prayer, they proceeded according to the 
votes of the previous day. " Mr. Leavenworth made the first 
praver, and preached the ordination sermon. Mr. Humphreys 
led the way in gathering the church, and the council owned them 
as a church of Christ, and a sister church ; and the church," when 
thus gathered and owned, " gave Mr. Lee a call to the pastoral 
office over them, of which he accepted ; and then Mr. Humph- 
reys led in the ordination, made the first prayer, with imposition 
of hands, and gave the charge. And Mr. Todd made the last 
prayer, with imposition of hands, and gave the right hand of fel- 
lowship." And thus was established the church of Christ in this 
place, and the ministry of reconciliation, to be as a " light in the 



k 



13 



world, holding forth the word of life," — a centre of sacred heat 
and holy influences to all around ; over which God has watched 
with unsleeping eye every revolving year since ; which from time 
to time he has plentifully watered with his heavenly dews ; and of 
which we, in our unworthiness, have been permitted to become 
members. 

From what mean beginnings does God work out the mightiest 
consequences I The church when organized consisted of only 
1 1 members ; — Jonathan Lee, Thomas Chipman, Benajah Wil- 
liams, Joseph Parks, Samuel Goodrich, Nathaniel Skinner, 
Thomas Austin, John Hutchinson, Caleb Woodworth, Ephraim 
Culver and Jonathan Chipman.* The number of the apostles, 
the nucleus of the christian church, was the same, after Judas 
had fallen and gone to hia own place. Who among the Jewish 
chiefs and rulers ever dreamed, that little timid, trembling band 
which met in the upper room at Jerusalem, would multiply as 
it did, and grow into a body of strength and influence that 
would shake every nation, change the aspect of society, subvert 
and abolish the whole system of Judaism, conquer the might of 
the Roman Empire, seize and possess the palace of the Caesars, 
overturn the huge fabrick of Paganism and plant the cross on its 
ruins, control the destinies of the world, and finally take it cap- 
tive in the name of the crucified Nazarene ? And who that 
looked on that little church gathered for the first time in that 
rude log-house, 30 feet long by 25 wide, would ever have sup- 
posed that its numbers would increase to those of this day ; that 
it would exert the influence which it has done on the character 
and destinies of this town and of the world ; gathering into its 
bosom much of the intelligence and wealth of the population, 
and sending out from time to time to the East and to the West 
those who should be the nucleus of other churches, and help to 
swell that majestic river of our God which is yet to inundate and 

* Note B. 



14 

refresh every land ? Who would have supposed, that here 
would be seen such scenes of divine refreshing as would almost 
rival those of Pentecost ; that out of that ark of eleven persons 
would come forth many in after days to preach the gospel 
which they saw that day established among them, and the Mis- 
sionary to go and tell on the sacred plains of Palestine and in 
the far off islands of the sea, the touching story of redeeming 
love !* 

You have seen the gentle springlet bubbling up in some green 
solitude of nature, whose waters might be cupped in the hollow 
of the hand ; at first lingering around the fountain head where 
they were nursed, as if loath to leave, but anon stealing and stray- 
ing away through meadow and field and wood and glen, quivering 
like a thread of silver in the clear sunlight ; gathering into it trib- 
utary stream after stream, and swelling its volume, and widening 
its course, as it goes on from reach to reach, till it becomes a 
mighty and majestic river, bearing on its bosom the wealth of 
nations. And even so are the fountains of empire. In the loins of 
Abraham were the teeming tribes of Isreal, the seed through which 
all the nations of the earth were to be blessed. In the manger 
of Bethlehem lay he who was to establish a Kingdom bloodless 
and sinless, outnumbering the stars in multitude, and outlasting 
time in duration. In the cell of Wirtemburg with Luther were 
the marvellous scenes of the Reformation, and the millions of 
freedmen of Christendom. And here on that little church of 
eleven, formed in that rude log-house, were suspended results 
vast as eternity and unutterable ; and out of it were to spring 
hundreds on hundreds of goodly sons and daughters, who should 
beautify and bless the earth by their piety, and go to swell the notes 
of the new song in the better land. We cannot trace causes to 
their ultimate effects, nor follow their infinite links and evolutions, 
and very often what we deem insignificant may turn out to be the 

* Note C. 



15 

most important, and what we deem important may be found to be 
comparatively insignificant. But standing as God does at the 
pinnacle of creation, with the whole drama of time outspread 
before him, he sees every link in the infinite chain, and knows the 
,, relative importance of every event, and can tell what the results 
Vof each shall be from its occurrence on through eternity. 

The church being legally formed in the manner we have des- 
cribed, met on the 4th of January, 1745, and adopted various 
rules and regulations for the maintenance of its order and purity, 
and the future management of its affairs. Among other things, 
" Thomas Chipman was nominated to be on trial for the office 
of a deacon ;" " John Hutchinson was chosen chorister;" it was 
''left with the Pastor what version of the Psalms should be used 
in their worship ;" the Lord's table was to " be supported by a 
free contribution to be attended immediately after the sacrament 
was ended ;" a lecture was to be attended " on what day the 
Pastor should appoint, preparatory to the sacrament ;" the Pas- 
tor was to examine " those who desired admittance to the Lord's 
table, and if he found satisfaction, he was to propound their 
desire to the church, and they were to stand propounded not less 
than two weeks, and if there were no material objections, such 
persons were to be led into covenant and admitted to commu- 
nion ;" none were to "be admitted to stated communion in either 
of the sealing ordinances, without letters to recommend them 
from the church they came from;" religious conference meetings 
might " be held in any part of the town where the attendants 
might think proper and convenient;" and " once in a year on 
the lecture before sacrament, on or near the month of May, the 
church were publicly and solemnly to renew covenant with 
God." 

Many of these arrangements it will be observed, are in force 
amongst us at this day. Others have been enacted by the church 
at various times since, suggested by the varied experiences of 
her history, and to meet the demands of peculiar cases and occa- 



*««^ 



16 

sions ; but those which we have now mentioned, with one or two 
additions, virtually embrace all the canons and by-laws by which 
the church has been governed since the day of its formation. 
They are few and simple, yet weighty and comprehensive, like 
the character of the times and the men by whom they were 
passed ; no show of wisdom — no parade of words — no fastidi- 
ous regard to elegance ; and yet embodying every thing essential 
to the order, and health, and comfort, and increase of the house 
of God, — to the easy and harmonious movement of the body 
of Christ. 

From this time on to the close of Mr. Lee's ministry, the 
records of the church are so imperfect, that it is impossible to 
speak with definiteness respecting its condition. There are not 
more than six or seven entries in the whole, among which I find the 
following remarkable one ; " voted that it is agreeable to us that 
the choristers continue to lead the congregation in singing regu- 
larly, viz. according to Rule, and that if they find it necessary, 
the time be measured by a small motion of the. hand," — showing 
the conscientiousness of our fathers in the most minute things ; 
how carefully they kept everything pertaining to the worship of 
God where it ought to be, under the control of the church ; and 
how suspiciously they regarded every novelty and innovation in 
sacred things, — a spirit unhappily far too little prevalent among 
their descendants of the present day. 

But there can be no doubt that, whatever were the fluctuations 
and changes of fortune to which the church was subjected, it 
grew rapidly in numbers and in strength. During the 44 years 
of Mr. Lee's pastoral life, no fewer than 252 were admitted to 
membership, 92 by profession and 1 60 by letters of recommend- 
ation from sister churches. He died on the 8lh day of October, 
1788, in the 71st year of his age, honored and lamented by all. 
He was a man of strong intellectual powers, native sagacity, and 
great decision of character ; a scholar and a gentleman ; natur- 
ally quick in temper, and aUve to his rights — but of great self 



IT 

control, prompt to confess a fault, easy to be reconciled, and though 
of dignified and commanding appearance, yet courteous and con- 
descending to all ; — a man exactly fitted by the force of his 
character for the exigencies of a new settlement, to lay the 
foundations and shape the forming character of society. Under his 
able ministry aad vigorous rule the elements of society grew up 
strong, healthy, and compact, thoroughly New England; and 
beyond doubt, to his influence is to be attributed much of that 
manly and independent spirit, that intelligence and sagacity, that 
breadth and weight of character, by which our town has ever been 
characterized.* 

We have already mentioned that the log-house erected by the 
town in 1744, for the accommodation of the minister, was design- 
ed to be used also as a place of worship. Here accordingly the 
people met from week to week for this purpose, till the end of 
the year 1749, when the old meeting-house, which is still stand- 
ing, and owned and occupied by William Bushncll, as a Hotel, 
was built. A vote had been passed as early as April, 1746, to 
erect it ; but owing to a disagreement among the people respect- 
ing its location, it was not raised till the 24th and 25th of March, 
1749, and only completed and fit for worship some months after- 
wards. It was a rude, unfinished, barnlike building, the beams 
and braces all bare ; without plastering or lathing, and with but 
scanty accommodations for the comfort of the worshippers. But 
our fathers were poor men, and they did their best ; they were 
also plain, unpretending men, simple in their manners, simple in 
their feelings and sentiments, simple in their modes of worship, 
— and hence their style of sacred architecture was simple. Like 
their Puritan ancestors they had a strong antipathy to every 
thing like form and gaudy show in religion ; decoration and 
pomp, whether in the mode or the place of worship, were to 
them an abhorrence. It was too much like the hollow splendor 

*NoteD. 



18 

of Babylon, " the mystery of iniquity," from which they had jusi 
come out, to find favor in their sight. They felt by instinct, and 
they knew from history, how the grandeur of the temple tends to 
formalize the homage of the worshipper. They had heard too 
much and suffered too much from the religion of cathedrals and 
stately fanes to be captivated by them. Tliey knew that the 
condition of the heart of the worshipper is the great thing ; that 
the simple, unforced, unostentatious homage of the affections is 
the best sacrifice ; that no temple is so beautiful and precious in 
God's eye as a chaste body, dwelt in by a priestly soul, ministering 
at the altar of a pure heart ; and that the humble prayer which 
goes up from the Indian wigwam, or the rude hut of the Hotten- 
tot, is as grateful in the ear of the great spiritual Deity, as the most 
imposing worship which a St. Paul's or a St. Peter's ever saw- 
rendered. 

Perhaps they may have erred in the length to which they car- 
ried these feelings. There is to us something cold and naked and 
repulsive about the churclies of our fathers. The religion of the 
gospel is eminently a thing of taste and beauty ; it tends to these 
wherever adopted ; it refines and decorates the inner and the 
outer man, and every thing with which it comes in contact ; with 
the rude and the vulgar and the unsymmetrical it has no affinity; 
and in their dislike and avoidance of the one extreme, they went 
too far, we are disposed to think, into the other. In saying this 
we detract nothing from their piety ; we rather commend it. It 
only shows how deep and healthy was their sense of the nature 
and importance of the worship of the spirit. It was but the 
simplicity of the gospel in excess, — the predominance of the 
inward and spiritual over the outward and carnal. Thus they 
felt, and thus they acted ; — and what need to them of external 
comforts in their worship ? The sacred fire within burned too 
intensely to need any bodily appliances. They had too much 
of the summer in the soul to regard the rigors of the winter 
without. Their piety was like their bodies, vigorous, healthy, 



19 •^•• 

robust ; and through storm and tempest and snow they came 
up to the house of their God ; and amid cold and cushionless 
pews they sat cahn and contented, carrying away with them a 
blessing such as we their silken, sickly children, with all our out- 
ward appliances of comfort, but rarely experience. In that house, 
accordingly, rude, unsightly, uncomfortable, they continued to 
worship till the year 1800, when the house in which we are now 
assembled, commodious and tasteful in its day, was built. It was 
dedicated in June of that year, and the sermon on the occasion 
was preached by the Rev. Chauncey Lee, of Colebrook, from 2d 
Chronicles, 6, 18. Whether those who have worshipped these 
44 years in this house have with all its superior comforts, enjoyed 
more of the comfort of the Holy Ghost, than did their fathers for 
the 50 years before them in their old, ungainly house, the reveal- 
ings of the judgment day can alone declare.* 

On the demise of Mr. Lee measures were immediately adopted 
for the supply of the pulpit. During his illness a committee had 
been appointed by the town for this purpose ; and on the 23d of 
October, two weeks after his death, a new committee was appointed 
with power " to supply the pulpit from time to time with a proper 
and suitable candidate, to preach to the inhabitants of this town 
and do the ordinary and common duties of a minister of the 
gospel, for the term of 6 months." On the 31st of the same 
month, James Bird, Adonijah Strong, and Deacon Job Spencer 
were appointed a committee of the church, to confer with the 
above committee of the town on the subject, " and to transact 
any other business in behalf of the church in the character of a 
church committee." 

Early in 1789, the pulpit committee were directed to make 
application to Mr. Chauncey Lee, son of the deceased min- 
ister, and a licentiate, to preach as a candidate ; but they 
failed to obtain his services. In November 1790 a call was given 

* Note E. ' ' ' 



20 

to Mr. William Fowler Miller ; but he declined it. In the spring 
of 1791 a Mr. Cone supplied the pulpit for a time ; and in July 
of the same year Mr. John Elliot was invited to settle, but he also 
declined. On the 2d of October 1792 the town gave an unan- 
imous call to Rev. James Glassbrook, in which the church united 
by a special vote on the 19th of the same month. The terms of 
the call were, that each party should have liberty to dissolve the 
connection on giving notice 6 months previously, — a proviso then 
unknown in our ecclesiastical proceedings, and to which the 
Consociation would doubtless have refused their sanction, inas- 
much as it virtually superseded their action and denied their 
authority. Mr. Glassbrook accepted the call, however, but owing 
to these disorderly proceedings, and other difficulties which speed- 
ily arose in relation to his credentials, the dissatisfaction became 
so strong and extensive, that his installation never took place ; 
and before the close of his engagement for the year, the town 
gave him notice that his services were no longer needed. — 
Report says, that so seriously did he lay this treatment to heart, that 
he was taken sick soon afterward, and died on the 8th of October, 
1793. 

Mr. Glassbrook was a native of Maidstone, a parish in the 
west of England, as may be seen from the inscription on the front 
leaf of several of the oldest and most valuable books in the Smith 
Library, to which they were sold after his death. 

This same year, (1793) on the 25th of January, the church 
formed for itself a Constitution, embracing Articles of Belief and 
of Church Government, a Confession of Faith and a Covenant ; 
the doctrines asserted therein being substantially those of the 
Westminster Confession and the Cambridge and Saybrook plat- 
forms, — the only public standards of their faith used by this 
church, as I suppose, up to that time. 

The pulpit having become vacant in the manner just described, 
it was filled for a short time in the spring of 1794 by Mr. Solo- 
mon Spalding. During the Summer of 1795, Mr. Ebenezer 



i 



21 ^ 

Porter, afterwards professor of Sacred Rhetoric in the Theologi- 
cal Seminary at Andover, preached a few Sabbaths, and received 
an urgent invitation to settle : but he refused.* On the 11th of 
December following, the church invited Mr. Timothy Mather 
Cooley to become their pastor ; but he also declined. Very soon 
afterwards however, their efforts were more successful ; in the 
summer of 1796 Mr. Joseph Warren Grossman was engaged as 
supply; and on the 4th of April 1797 they gave him an unani- 
mous call, which was accepted ; and he was ordained and installed 
over this people the 2Sth of June by the Consociation. Mr. Rob- 
bins of Norfolk offered the introductory prayer ; Mr. Judson of 
Sheffield preached the sermon from Jonah 3:2; Mr. Smitli of 
Sharon offered the ordaining prayer ; Dr. Edwards of Colebrook 
gave the charge ; Mr. Hooker of Goshen the right hand of fel- 
lowship ; and Mr. Mills of Torrijigford offered the concluding 
prayer. 

Mr. Grossman continued to labor here faithfully and success- 
fully over 15 years. During the^9 years previous to his settle- 
ment in which the church remained vacant, only 20 had been 
added to it, and those principally by letter ; religion languished 
— the ways of Zion mourned ; but under his labors the cause of 
Christ revived, the church was greatly prospered, the Lord added 
to it from time to time of such as, in the judgment of charity, 
should be saved ; and though no special and extraordinary out- 
pouring of the divine spirit was experienced during his ministry, 
yet so abunduntly was it blessed of God, that 88 became mem- 
bers of the church, the principal part of whom joined by profes- 
sion. 

Mr. Grossman came here young and inexperiencjd, doubtful 
of his own ability, and afraid almost to undertake a charge so 
difficult and responsible ; with talents not certainly of the highest 



♦Memoir of Dr. Porter, Page 34. 



22 

order, though respectable, and with but a very limited and imper- 
fect preparation in those studies which pertain more especially to 
the ministerial profession : — but the Lord had chosen him to the 
work, and speedily furnished him for it, enabling him to retrieve 
and triumph over his previous disadvantages, and making him an 
able and successful minister of Christ. By great industry the 
growth of his mind and ministerial gifts was rapid and observa- 
ble to all ; and he continued to grow in knowledge, m grace, and 
in all those attainments, mental and spiritual, which go to consti- 
tute an efficient ministry, up to the day of his death. His sermons 
were never brilliant or great, but always sound, clear, practical 
and pungent — characterized by good sense. He was a man of 
rare excellence of character, and greatly beloved ; prudent, wise, 
affectionate, friendly, meek and winning like his master ; dignified 
so as to command influence and respect, and yet easy and affable 
to conciliate regard ; grave without being stern, courteous without 
being fawning. He died on the 13th of December 1812, in the 
37th year of his age, and 16tl\ of his ministry ; and he was fol- 
lowed to the grave by the tears and regrets of the whole people, 
leaving behind him a reputation for sanctity and all goodly graces, 
the savor of which remains to this day. "The memory of the 
just is blessed." 

Previous to the year 1804, the ecclesiastical concerns of the 
parish had been managed by the town, as was the universal prac- 
tice throughout this Colony and State; but that year a congregation- 
al society was organized, distinct from the town, to which all the 
property of the parish was legally conveyed, and by whom its 
temporalities have been managed ever since. 

And here it will be in place to mention, that in February, 1810, 
" it was made known that Mrs. Esther Walton, a deceased sister 
of this church, had left a donation of 30 dollars for the support 
of the communion table, " and " it appearing to be the design of 
the donor to relieve those who were indigent in the church from 
their portion toward the support of the table." the church voted, 



23 

" that this donation be the beginning of a fund for the support of 
the communion table, and for other purposes according to the dis- 
cretion of the church." In this way, accordingly, it was used up 
to the 18th of April of the present year, when the church, to 
express more fully their gratitude and their h.igh respect for the 
memory of the donor, passed the following vote ; " Whereas the 
late Mrs. Esther Walton, an highly esteemed sister of this church 
did bequeath to this church, as a token of her aifectionate regard 
for its members, the sum of thirty dollars, to be by them disposed 
of as they shall deem best, in aiding its indigent female members ; 
and whereas the aforesaid sum, by reason of the interest that has 
accrued upon the same, now amounts to the sum of one hundred 
dollars ; now it is hereby determined by this church, that the 
aforesaid sum of one hundred dollars shall from this time forward, 
be considered and treated as a permanent fund, and shall be 
known as the Walton Fund ; and no part of the principal shall 
be expended ; but the interest upon the same shall be exclusively 
devoted to aiding the indigent female members of this church." 
After the death of Mr. Grossman the church remained without 
a pastor for nearly 6 years, during which and a few succeeding 
years, it passed through what must be regarded as, in many 
respects, the most important and eventful part of its history — 
scenes the most calamitous and the most joyful — scenes which 
marred its beauty and harmony, bringing it to the very brink 
of destruction ; and scenes which lifted it from the dust up to 
the very gates of Heaven, arraying it in beautiful garments as the 
bride of the Lamb, and giving it grace and power in the eyes of 

all. 

Measures had been promptly taken for the supply of the pul- 
pit ; and on the 24th of February, 1813, a call was given to Mr. 
John Baldwin Whittlesey, in which the society united on the 13th 
of April, but by a divided vote ; and Mr. Whittlesey declined it. 
Circumstances assuming, however, as he supposed, a more favor- 
able aspect, he withdrew his refusal, and accepted it. But the 



24 

opposition to him continuing and increasing, again he declined it. 
His friends were warm and determined however; and in August 
following the church and society a second time gave him a call, 
but both bodies by a divided vote ; and Mr. Whittlesey finally 
sent in his decisive refusal, and withdrew altogether. 

As may be supposed, the effect of these proceedings on the 
harmony of the church and society was most unhappy. The 
excitement ran high ; brethren were estranged from each other ; 
much embittered feeling was manifested on both sides ; and for 
well nigh two years, dark, lowering clouds seemed to hang over 
Zion, threatening her ruin and the disruption of the society. But 
God presided over the angry elements ; the clouds gradually dis- 
persed, — the winds fell, — and there was a great calm. On the 
3d of February 1815 a call was given to Rev. Willam R. Weeks, 
and on the S:3d of August following, to Mr. Chauncey A. Goodrich 
now Professor in Yale College ; but both invitations were declined. 

Just about this time the church began to experience one of 
those heavenly refreshings, commonly styled revivals, which were 
enjoyed so extensively throughout our country during the years 
1815 and 1816. For many years previously, the state of religion 
had been extremely low, owing in a great measure, doubtless, to 
the unsettled and distracted condition of the people. As early as 
1812, a spirit of more than common recklessness and apathy had 
begun to manifest itself. That year a most malignant disease, 
called the epidemic, on account of its extensive prevalence, raged in 
our town, by which great numbers were carried off; but the voice 
of God in his providence seemed to be unheeded. The people 
were startled and alarmed — there was a universal panic ; but it 
was the fear of death simply, which stuns and stupifies, not the 
Godly fear which leads to repentance. God seemed to have left 
them to blindness of mind and hardness of heart. It appeared 
evident to every observing mind, that either they were ripening 
for judicial infatuation, for that pitch of wilful and determined 
obstinacy, where God abandons men altogether ; or preparing for 



some wonderful display of his grace, approaching that point of 
deepest darkness which usually precedes the first break of day. 

Things continued in the sanie languishing and alarming state 
daring the years 1813 and IS 14. The harp was hung on the 
willows. It was night, dark night ; and it seemed as if morn- 
ing would never come. But "in the spring of 1815 the glim- 
mering of a brighter day began to appear. The darkness was 
still visible : but it was mingled with here and there a ray of 
light. Christians were startled from their long slumber, and 
opened their eyes. Not a few of them were awakened to a 
spirit of prayer, and at the same time numbers began earnestly 
to desire, and confidently to expect, that God would revive his 
work. In the month of April, many agreed to meet at a speci- 
fied hour, at the throne of grace, to pray for so great a bless- 
ing. From this time it was common to convert social visits into 
seasons of prayer, and a revival was the frequent subject of con- 
versation. About the same period two or three persons were 
led to indulge hopes that they had passed from death unto life. 
Things continued in this situation with very little increase of seri- 
ous attention until nearly the middle of the summer. A month- 
ly prayer meeting about this time, it is believed, will long be 
remembered. It was a solemn season, and some resolutions 
were there formed by the friends of Christ, which it cannot be 
doubted, had an important bearing upon the succeeding revival. 
Still there were only five or six who had indulged hopes that 
they had experienced a change of heart until past the middle of 
August, After this, conferences were increased, and the inquiry, 
"What shall I do to be saved," was more and more frequent. 
From the first of September, it became evident that the object 
for which Christians had hoped and prayed was realized. The 
revival had commenced. Meetings appointed for religious pur- 
poses were now thronged and solemn. Many who visited them 
from motives of curiosity, and many more who could scarcely 
assign the motives by which they were actuated, returned home, 
4 



26 

at the close of them, deeply affected in view of their deplorable 
state as sinners, and anxiously inquiring after the way of life. 
One meeting for youth at this season of the revival, is still the 
subject of conversation. It was solemn as eternity. While the 
gloomy prospect of those who are destitute of religion was strik- 
ingly illustrated, and urged upon the serious attention of the 
audience numbers were pricked in the heart. And it has since 
been ascertained that 15 or 20 who have been the subjects of 
this work, have looked back to that solemn evening as the period 
when divine truth was first fastened upon their minds. The work 
now proceeded with amazing rapidity and power. In almost 
every part of the town there were some anxiously concerned for 
their souls. The blessing of God eminently accompanied the 
means used to awaken attention. The labor of ministers and 
Christians was rarely bestowed wholly in vain. Almost every 
sermon and exhortation was attended with happy effects. And 
numbers, it is believed, will forever ascribe their salvation to the 
blessing of God on the faithful counsel or warning of some pious 
friend. The mouths of Christians were open to speak for God, 
and often had they occasion to praise him for the divine energy 
by which their exhortations were made effectual. But though 
means were greatly blessed, God was pleased to show that they 
were not indispensable. He could accomplish his purposes in 
the salvation of sinners without them. Serious impressions were 
frequent even where no special labor had been bestowed. The 
stated preacher often observed that the Spirit of God went before 
him, and by the effects which he produced, obviously directed 
him in his labors. During the month of September and the for- 
mer part of October, the revival in one half of the town had 
become general ; in the other it was rapidly spreading. Nearly 
the whole ciiurch were awake and active. Every week the 
work increased in magnitude and interest, and added greatly to 
the number of the alarmed and convicted, and to that of the 
hopeful subjects of grace. During one week, about the middle 



27 

of October, more than twenty indulged hopes that they had pass- 
ed from death unto hfe. 

Near the close of the month, while the friends of religion 
looked around upon the subjects of the work, their eyes affected 
their hearts. About 80 were hoping that they had become re- 
conciled to God. But (ew of these had passed the season of 
youth. Most of the heads of families, and of those who had 
advanced to the meridian of life, were still sleeping in their sins. 
Must all these be passed by ? seemed to be the universal language 
of christians. Must the fathers, and those of every age who 
have the care of families, have no share in the blessings which 
are so richly shed upon our youth ? These facts, so deeply 
afTecting to the benevolent mind, it was found, had awakened 
all the tenderest feelings of compassion in the breasts of the 
children of God. From this period, without any combined cal- 
culation, or any apparent expectation that others would be enga- 
ged in the same manner, there seems to have been a general 
wrestling with God, that the glorious work might embrace all 
classes of persons; that the fathers and heads of families might 
be made to experience the loving kindness of God. 

And we have it to record, as another testimony of the cove- 
nant faithfulness of God, and his readiness to hear prayer, that 
no sooner were christians generally affected on this subject, than 
the dews of heaven descended upon the aged and upon large 
numbers of heads of families. Persons of every age were now 
the subjects of alarm and conviction ; and not a few from this 
period to the end of the revival, were gathered in from those 
classes which at first seemed to have no share in the work. 

This period of the revival was also distinguished by another 
interesting fact. At its very commencement opposition had 
made its appearance. Numbers had indulged themselves in rid- 
icule. Others were exceedingly mad against the work, and dis- 
posed to say all manner of evil of those whom God had employed 
as the instruments of its promotion. But now some of the most 



28 

open and daring opposers were arrested. Several of this char- 
acter were at this period borne down with a sense of sin, and after 
a season of deep anguish and conviction, brought apparently to 
love the cause which they had before labored to destroy. In 
many instances, the very persons \vlio were considered champi- 
ons of firmness, and who were referred to as those who it was 
thought would not yield to such impressions, were brought to 
tremble under the power of God, to deplore that wrath which 
they now felt they merited, and to seek that sovereign mercy, 
which was their only hope. So frequently was the arm of the 
Lord displayed in melting the hearts of these haughty opposers, 
that opposition was abashed. Almost the Avhole town seemed to 
be filled with trembling and amazement. Opposers were afraid. 
The terrors and consternation of the last day seemed to seize 
upon them. " Surely God is in this place and we knew it not," 
seemed to be the general language. 

So great and so widely extended was the work at this period, 
that it was impossible for any one person to preach on the Sab- 
bath, attend religious meetings during the week, and afford the 
instructions to those who were indulging hopes, and to the inquir- 
ing and anxious, which their several cases required. For about 
ten weeks therefore, two or more were constantly employed in 
performing the necessary ministerial labor. The revival contin- 
ued with great power through most of the month of November, 
when for a season it seemed to be arrested. For a few days new 
instances of awakening did not make their appearance. But as 
there was reason to hope that christians had not begun to pray 
the Saviour to depart out of their coast, a merciful God was 
pleased to continue liis work. During the month of December, 
meetings for examining those who were desirous of owning 
Christ before the world, appeared to be made a blessing to many. 
These seasons, as well as those afterwards enjoyed, were very 
refreshing to Christians, and became the means of rousing the 
attention of others. The first Sabbath in January, forty-eight were 



ff 



29 

united to the Church, and sat down with the little band who had so 
long mourned that few came to the solemn feasts of Zion, to 
commemorate the sufferings and death of their glorious Re- 
deemer. In this stage of the revival, several schools were vis- 
ited. Intermissions, instead of the customary sports of children, 
were devoted to prayer: and it is hoped a number of the dear 
children in these schools, have been born into the Kingdom of 
Christ. It was still a time of rejoicing. The Spirit of God was 
still poured out, and with the exception of a little season during 
the month of January, continued to be so until the close of the 
following month. Many in the month of February were led to 
entertain hopes that they had experienced a change of heart. 

Indeed from the first of September to the first of the succeed- 
ing March, there was, with little interruption, a continued har- 
vest. Souls were flocking to Christ as doves to their windows. 
Never from its first settlement did the town experience so much 
distress, and so much joy. Persons of every age, from seventy 
down to ten or eleven, and in every rank of society, and of almost 
every degree of intellectual improvement, were at one time to be 
seen under the deepest distress and anguish of soul,andat another, 
as there is reason to believe, rejoicing in the hope of the gospel. 
After the commencement of March, it was apparent that the 
Spirit of God was beginning to withdraw his special influences. 
Numbers, however, who had been previously awakened, were 
afterwards visited with consolation — and a few received their 
first impressions during the spring and summer, and were gather- 
ed in as the gleanings of a precious harvest. Several who were 
impressed early in the revival are still without the comfort of hope; 
and some, there is reason to fear, have returned to their former 
carelessness ; of whom God has said, " they are joined to idols, 
let them alone." More than three hundredmihe whole are indul- 
ging the hope that they have experienced religion in this season 
of reviving. Sixty-seven were received into the church the last 
Sabbath'fc February ; twenty-two the first in May ; and thirty- 



30 

five the first in September ; making., with those received the first 
Sabbath in January, 172 ; of whom about 62 were males, and 
110 females. Many more, it is expected, will soon come forward 
and unite themselves to the professing people of God. 

With respect to the character of this work, it has not been 
materially different from that of most of the revivals in this state. 
It has generally been still and solemn. The distress which has 
been experienced has often been agonizing, and the convictions 
deep and pungent. But there have been few things attending 
it, which could give pain to a good man. It has been common, 
in the first stages of alarm, for the subjects to engage in a course 
of duty in the hope of rendering God propitious. They have 
considered themselves as not only willing, but earnestly desiring 
to embrace religion. Endeavoring thus to establish a righteous- 
ness of their own, they have been made more and more acquain- 
ted with the secret wickedness of their own hearts ; so that, 
instead of growing better, and recommending themselves to God, 
they have found, to their great astonishment, and to the aggra- 
vation of their distress, that they were only growing worse. They 
felt that they were sinking deeper and deeper in guilt, and that 
their case was becoming increasingly alarming. The more they 
strove, the more they found what depraved rebellious hearts they 
had to deal with. It was now they were first convinced of what 
they before had been taught, that they were indeed enemies to 
God ; that their whole hearts were in opposition to his character 
and government, and to the way of salvation through Christ. 
The law as a flaming sword stood in direct opposition, and con- 
demned them to everlasting destruction. In this view of their 
own character and of the divine law, they felt themselves undone. 
They saw themselves ruined and helpless. In this extremity, 
the Lord interposed, and enabled them to give up their self- 
righteous struggles, and to cast themselves unreservedly upon his 
sovereign mercy. It was no wonder that persons thus taught by 
the Spirit, should lose all remaining doubts respecting %e entire 



. TV ' .1*^ 

31 

depravity of the natural heart, and should embrace the doctrine 
of divine sovereignty as a doctrine without which they could have 
no hope. Hence it was very noticeable that the subjects of the 
revival, in a great proportion of instances, possessed clear views 
respecting those great doctrines of grace, which are so humbling 
to the pride of man. 

The exercises of all under conviction were not equally mark- 
ed. The convictions of some were more pungent than those of 
others. The opposition of the natural heart was not in every 
instance so clearly seen. But all for whom there Vv'as, in other 
respects, reason to hope, united in ascribing their conversion 
wholly to God. They had only opposed. It was God that 
made them to differ, and to him they were disposed to give all 
the glory. 

The feelings of those who have been hopefully renewed have 
also been various in relation to the first objects of delightful con- 
templation. In some instances, (and those perliaps the most 
numerous) they have first had a discovery of the glory of God. 
Their opposition has ceased, and the divine beauty and excel- 
lence have filled their souls with admiration. In other instances 
the preciousness and all-sufficiency of the Saviour have been the 
objects upon which the attention was fixed. Some have found 
their distress abated, and have been ready to conclude that they 
were losing their convictions. But upon comparing their feel- 
ings and exercises with the word of God, and with those of 
Christians, they have been ready to hope that their hearts have 
been renewed. 

The change which has taken place in the subjects of this 
work, has been a change of life as well as of feeling. So far as 
can yet be ascertained, they have been better parents and better 
children, better husbands and better wives, and better in every 
situation of life. Many family altars have been erected, and 
many children have been instructed in religion, who, if they were 



32 

before not taught, yet they were influenced by example, to walk 
in the paths of sin. 

In taking a general view of this great work of grace, we cannot 
but behold striking evidence of the agency and sovereignty of 
God. The work was all His. Effects have been produced 
which none but He could produce. Were it judged expedient, 
individual cases might be adduced which would more than justify 
this remark. But we must have been blind indeed had we not 
been ready to say, in view of even a small part which passed 
before our eyes, this is the work of God. The Divine Being has 
also acted as a sovereign. For although he had usually blessed 
the means which have been employed, he has in many instances 
passed those by who have had the advantage of the most pow- 
erful means, while he has arrested the attention of many who 
have been almost shut out from the means of awakening and 
conviction, and have rarely been addressed on the concerns of 
their souls. Numbers too, who have been profligate and far 
from righteousness, have been made to taste the sweets of divine 
love; while others, even "the children of the Kingdom," who 
have been moral and regular in their lives, and have steadily 
attended upon the means of grace, have in instances not a few, 
been left to walk in the light of their own fires and in the sparks 
that they have kindled." 

These particulars of this wonderful work I have copied from 
an account penned by Rev. William L. Strong, and published in 
the Religious Intelligencer, November 16th, 1816. Being inti- 
mately acquainted with every feature of the work, and indeed 
frequently here during its progress, though settled in a distant 
part of the State, his able, minute, and interesting statement I 
have given as more fresh and satisfactory than anything which I 
could have drawn up. 

That loorlc of mercy will never be forgotten by hundreds and 
thousands to all eternity. There are multitudes of hearts among 
us to this day that heave with emotion at the very mention of it ; 



:#■ 



33 



and without speaking invidiously, the strength of this church still 
consists of those who were the subjects of it. 

It is but justice to say, that the great instrument employed by 
God in this work was Rev. Asahel Nettleton — a man who, with- 
out any pretension or any brilliant and imposing gifts, was the 
means of more enduring good, and of more genuine conversions, 
than perhaps any one man since the days of the Apostle Paul. 
He has gone to his account ; but when the trumpet sounds, and 
the grave gives up its dead, what throngs from this town and 
elsewhere will stand forth as the crown of his rejoicing and the 
seals of his ministry ! In his labors here he was ably assisted by 
Rev. Amasa Jerome and others ; but to him mainly, his wonder- 
ful knowledge of the human heart, and consummate skill in the 
adaptation of the truth, must be attributed, under God, the 
scenes of refreshing we have described, which made this church 
and town the theatre of such wonders of grace. His name is as 
ointment poured forth to numbers here this day, and will live 
embalmed in the holiest affections, and be enshrined as a house- 
hold word, to the latest posterity. 

The results of this refreshing on the church were most benign. 
All the breaches of Zion were healed. She had become dear to 
every heart. A spirit of love and mutual forbearance universally 
prevailed. They were knit together as a band of brethren, and 
went forward in the adoption of measures for her permanent 
well-being. On the 28th of December, 1815, while the revival 
was yet in progress, they revised the Confession of Faith and the 
Covenant of the Church, which had been adopted in 1793 ; cur- 
tailing them in some particulars, amending them in others, but 
essentially altering them in none ; the design being simply to 
render them more compendious and suitable as a summary of 
behef, to be read and assented to publicly by the candidates then 
seeking admission into the church in great numbers. And this 
summary continues in use amongst us for this purpose, to this 
day. 



34 

During the Spring of 1816 the pulpit was supplied by various 
candidates ; and on the 2d of December following, a call was 
given to Mr. Federal Burt, of Southampton, Mass. ; but he declin- 
ed it. Early in 1817 Mr, Lavius Hyde of Franklin, Conn,, was 
engaged as supply ; and on the 19th of November, he received 
a call, but under some opposition. Mr. Hyde, however, accepted 
it, and he was ordained and installed on the 18th of March, 1818. 

Soon after his settlement, the attention of the church was 
turned to the religious training of the children of the congrega- 
tion ; and on the 16th of April a committee of eight was appoint- 
ed to "instruct them in the Assembly's Catechism during the 
interval of public worship on the Lord's day." This system of 
instruction had been pursued by the pastors of the church, from 
its establishment down to that time, and continued many years 
after. I find a vote appointing a similar committee as late as 
November 1825. But soon after this date, the practice unhap- 
pily appears to have been discontinued. By this system our fathers 
grew up a race of strong minded and judiciously thinking men. 
It gave stability to their theology, and was signally blessed of God 
for the piety of their families and the growth of Zion ; to it wc 
owe much of that substantial, intelligent piety yet to be found 
amongst us ; and a return to it, we believe, would be attended 
with unspeakable advantages. 

It has become the fashion of late years, to speak disparagingly 
of that old and revered catechism, and of the doctrines taught 
in it ; but we do not hesitate to declare it, in our estimation, as 
the most perfect uninspired compendium of christian theology 
this world has ever seen. The truths embodied there are those 
which our fathers loved and held fast unto death, through which 
the ministry of their pastors was marked by such wonderful suc- 
cess, and the foundations of our church were laid deep and stable 
in the land. They are the truths to which the martyrs and con- 
fessors of other days clung, as the source of their strength and 
the basis of their hope, in the dungeon and at the stake. They 



are the truths which in all ages have warmed the hearts, and nerved 
the hands, and sustained the efforts and tlie energies of those who 
have given any vigorous and permanent impulse to the cause of 
Jesus. Nor has there ever been known in the whole range of 
ecclesiastical history any effectual awakening of sinners, where 
these doctrines, embodied in this system, have not been promi- 
nently proclaimed and habitually pressed on the hearts and con- 
sciences of men. ■> ■■ 

In October of the same year, the church received a communi- 
cation from the North Consociation of this County, recommend- 
ing an united effort for the conversion of the world ; and in De- 
cember following, they adopted a report of a Committee that had 
been appointed on the subject, approving of the object recom- 
mended, pledging themselves to its furtherance, and specifying a 
plan by which the contributions of the people were to be taken 
up. This was the first systematic effort made by the church in 
aid of the missionary enterprise. 

On the 22d of April, 1819, a Sabbath School was organized in 
connection with the Sabbath School Union in this vicinity, an{5 
under substantially the same arrangements as are observed by us 
in the management of the School at this day. 

During the years 1820 and 1821, the state of religion was 
very low ; several scandalous cases of discipline occurred ; the 
Divine Spirit was withdrawn; the means of grace were unblest ; 
Israel was in captivity. And in view of their desolate condition, 
the church observed the 29th of June, 1821, as a day of fasting 
and humiliation, on which they made confession of their sins 
before God, and implored his mercy. And in furtherance of the 
same object, a Committee was appointed in July, to enquire what 
measures could be taken to raise the tone of vital piety in the 
church, and to report on the expediency of appointing a Visiting 
Committee for this end. The subject was under their considera- 
tion for more than tvv'o months; and on the 20th of September 
they reported, setting fortii the absolute necessity of a faithful 



36 

discharge of our covenant obligations, in order to the enjoyment 
of that divine influence by which alone the all-important object 
can be effected ; reminding the brethren that " as it pleases God 
to work by means, we are all under the most solemn covenant 
obligations to watch over, caution, advise with, and pray for each 
other ;" exhorting them to " a more diligent and faithful perfor- 
mance of these covenanted duties without delay, by visiting and 
conversing with one another on their spiritual concerns" ; and 
" that there might be order and system in the work, and no part 
of the members be neglected," recommending " that the Pastor, 
together with the Church Committee, should be empowered to 
call upon the brethren in one part of the Society to visit those in 
another part from time to time, at their discretion." Tiiese 
recommendations were adopted by the Church. The members 
were all visited, and faithfully and affectionately conversed with. 
And for a time the happiest results were anticipated ; the Church 
to a great extent was revived ; their meetings were well attended, 
solemn and melting ; and a few hopeful conversions occurred. 

But very soon these encouraging tokens disappeared — the 
cloud of mercy which seemed about to burst, big with blessing, 
passed away. Mr. Hyde was a faithful Pastor ; his labors for the 
good of the people were unwearied ; the seed was carefully 
sown — the vineyard was sedulously cultivated ; but there was " a 
root of bitterness" which neutralized all. The disaffection 
which had manifested itself at the time of his settlement, contin- 
ued unabated. From year to year it had marred the harmony 
of the Church, and seemed only to grow in resolution. The 
Church was rent in twain — numbers on the one side, determina- 
tion on the other. Council after council was called to advise, 
and mediate, and heal, if possible, the breach, but in vain. The 
alienation of affection between brethren continued, making the 
visible body of Christ, where all should be peace and beauty, 
and mutual sympathy and kindness, a scene of dissension, defor- 
mity and wrath. It was a mournful spectacle to see a people 



■• '^» 



who had so recently witnessed such wonderful displays of divine 
grace, torn into factions, forgetting all the obligations of christian 
brotherhood ; and just as if the stately goings of their King had 
never been amongst them, pursuing a course which directly ten- 
ded to the disgrace and overthrow of his kingdom. And at last 
Mr. Hyde, seeing no prospect of usefulness or of cessation to the 
strife while he remained, resolved to withdraw, and asked for a 
dismission. The Church reluctantly consented, and on the 6th 
of August, 18:22, the pastoral relation between him and this oeo- 
ple was dissolved. 

During his ministry of four years and a few months, 44 were 
added to the Church, 24 by profession and 20 by letter. To this 
day many of this people retain for Mr. Hyde a warm affection, 
and all the highest respect for his piety as a man, and his faithful- 
ness as a Pastor. 

The dissensions in the Church and Society were not removed 
by Mr. Hyde's dismission. Much estrangement of affection 
between brethren still remained ; but there was a growing desire 
for reconciliation and peace on both sides. And on the 15th of 
October the Church agreed to refer their difficulties to a select 
Council of five, Hon. John Cotton Smith, Rev. Heman Hum- 
phrey, Rev. Andrew Elliot, Hon. Benjamin Tallmadge, and 
Deacon Reuben Smith. The meeting of this Council was looked 
forward to with great anxiety ; and when they assembled on the 
19th of November, every heart trembled for the result. On the 
same day the Church met in a separate apartment for the con- 
sideration of its difficulties, and continued its session far into the 
night, without coming to any satisfactory conclusion. The 
Council meanwhile had done nothing, waiting with prayer and 
anxious solicitude for the result of the Church's deliberations. 
And when both bodies met on the morning of the 20th, the 
Council in the house of Moses Wells, and the Church in this 
house, the fate of Zion here, it was felt by all, hung poising in 
the eternal scales. But the hand of mercy held the balance ; 



38 

the glory of God and the weal of unborn souls were involved ; 
and Zion could not perish. Through the mediation of Rev. 
Chauncey Lee, of Colebrook, overtures of reconciliation passed 
between the tuo parties. Difficulty after difficulty was weighed 
and adjusted, till at last the minority presented a written com- 
munication, specifying " the views and motives by which they 
had been actuated in their uniform opposition to Mr. Hyde," 
making sundry confessions and concessions, and expressing a 
hearty desire to bury all former animosities, and a willingness, ''if 
their brethren would meet them on this middle ground of mutual 
concession, immediately to give them the hand of cluistian fel- 
lowship and brotherly love, to forgive and forget all that was 
past, and henceforth to strive to keep the unity of the Spirit in 
the bond of peace." This communication was accepted by the 
majority, and responded to by a similar peaceful and yielding 
document. 

The Council were immediately requested by a Committee of 
the Church to repair to this house, where they v/ere informed of 
the happy termination of the difficulties, to settle wliich they had 
been called together ; and after " a concise and pertinent address 
to the Church" by Rev. James Bradford, and a prayer com- 
mending them to the grace and guidance of God, the Council 
was dissolved. 

And thus was peace restored to the Church, after an unhappy 
strife of nearly five years ; and Zion, which had become a by- 
word and derision to the world, a hissing and reproach, emerged 
calmly and beautifully from the clouds, just when they seemed 
the most portentous, and presaged her total ruin. And thus it 
ever is with the Church of God. Her history is a series of per- 
ils and escapes, of trials and overcomings, of scenes of deep dis- 
aster and wonderful deliverance. She is the bush ever burning, 
but never consumed. To-day she is in Egypt, weeping over her 
bondage — to-morroiv she is in full march for the promised land, 
rejoicing in her freedom. JSlow, she stands on the shore of the 



'%^ 



39 

Red Sea, the swelling waters before her, impassable mountains 
on either side, and Pharaoh and his vengeful hosts thundering 
behind — and anon she is chanting Miriam's song of victory on 
the other side. To-day she is lying bound on the altar of Mo- 
riah with Isaac — to-morrow she is the heir of the world,receiving 
promises and dispensing blessings to many nations. This year 
she is weltering in the slough of despond — the next gazing witii 
rapture on the delectable mountains. Now she is in the wilder- 
ness surrounded with foes — ere long she stands on Mount Pis- 
gah, vievi^ing the goodly land of promise. Like Paul and his 
compeers, she is often " persecuted, but never forsaken ; cast 
down, but never destroyed." She is founded on a rock. Om- 
nipotence is her defence. And " if God be for her, who can be 
against her ?" She is the apple of his eye — graven on the palms 
of his hands — the purchase of his Son's blood — guaranteed to 
that Son as a reward, by solemn oath, in the eternal covenant ; and 
neither dangers without, nor dissensions within, can ever v>^holly 
extinguish her. " The gates of hell shall never prevail against 

her." V' 

The Church, thus healed and harmonized, went forward again 
in the discharge of their duty. On the 12th of June, 1823, they 
gave a call to Mr. Wiiham C. Fowler to become their Pastor, 
but he declined it. In the early part of the winter following, 
the Rev. Amzi Benedict supplied the pulpit for a short time. 
About the middle of January, 1824, Rev. Leonard E. Lathrope 
was engaged as supply ; and on the 29th of March he received 
an unanimous call, which he accepted on the 19th of December, 
supplying the pulpit personally during the interval; and he was 
installed on the 2d of February, 1825. 

During the two first years of Mr. Lathrope's ministry nothing 
worthy of especial notice took place. But in the beginning of 
1827 scenes began to be njanifested, which have made that year a 
memorable and momentous one in the history of this Church. 
An account of these scenes I am happy in being able to give in 



40 

the language of Mr. Lathrope himself, published in the Connec- 
ticut Observer, under date of May 5th, 1828. 

"At the commencement of my labors," says he, "the Church 
consisted of about 210 members. Lukewarmness and apathy on 
the subject of religion prevailed to a lamentable extent, both in 
and out of the Church. Under the chiUing influence of animos- 
ities and dissensions which had prevailed, the spirit of active and 
evangelical piety had greatly declined, and almost withered 
away ; and no light proceeding from the Church, cast its illu- 
minations upon the surrounding darkness, whereby others might 
be led to glorify God. This state of declension continued until 
the month of February, 1827, when a feeling of more than com- 
mon solicitude seemed to be awakened among some of the mem- 
bers of the Church, in regard to the state of religion. About 
this time, intelligence which was almost daily received concern- 
ing the state of religion in several towns of the County north of 
uSj was particularly interesting, and seemed to have an anima- 
ting effect. The conference of the churches, which had now 
been held in a number of instances, was evidently attended with 
a beneficial effect in exciting the churches to activity and prayer. 
It was proposed that delegates should be sent from this Church 
to meet with the brethren from other churches in the conference, 
and to request a similar meeting in this place. This was done. 
A feeling of anxiety and a spirit of prayer were evidently increa- 
sing in the Church. A day of fasting and prayer was observed 
on the 23d of March, and nearly all the members of the Church 
were present. The meeting was marked with evident tokens of 
the Divine presence. Deep solemnity prevailed, and it is belie- 
ved that most, if not all present, were exercised with some con- 
trition of spirit in view of their backslidings. On the 28th the 
conference was convened here, and on the day following the 
Church made a public confession of past delinquencies, accom- 
panied with a solemn renewal of their covenant obligations to 
God and to each other. Waiving all discussion on the propriety 



41 

or expediency of this measure, I would merely remark that to 
me it was among the most impressive scenes which in this world 
I have ever been called to witness ; and its affect appears to 
have been salutary in every point of view in which I have been 
led to consider it. 

If a revival of religion is what I suppose is to be understood by 
the expression, I think it may be said with propriety to have 
already commenced. There was evidently a deeper sense of the 
sacredness and solemnity of christian obligations — of the turpi- 
tude of sin — of the worth of the soul — and of the importance of 
walking worthy of their vocation among professors of religion, 
than had for a long time been apparent. All dissensions and 
animosities were done away; and the charity and brotherly love 
which the gospel inculcates were brought into lively exercise. 
A general feeling of anxiety and solicitude for the prosperity of 
the Redeemer's kingdom and the welfare of souls, was conspic- 
uous. There was evidently a sense of the importance of active 
exertion for the spiritual well-being of others, accompanied with 
fervent and persevering supplications to God, that He would 
" pour out his spirit," and " revive his work," and bring sinners 
to repentance. And many who had been living without God 
and without hope in the world, were within a short period hope- 
fully brought to exercise '•' repentance toward God and faith in 
the Lord Jesus Christ." For a season, the attention of almost 
all, of every class among us, appeared to be turned to the sub- 
ject, and a general solemnity prevailed. Meetings for prayer 
were frequently held, and thronged by many on whose counte- 
nances were depicted deep anxiety and concern. All meetings 
held for religious exercises were free from tumult or disorder of 
every kind. The simple and fundamental truths of the gospel 
were the only subjects of consideration brought to view on such 
occasions, accompanied with earnest prayer for the influence of 
that spirit, without which Paul may plant and Apollos water in 
vain. The " stil! small voice" was heard, and many were moved 
6 



42 

to inquire what they should do to be saved. The depravity of 
man — the holiness of God and of his law — the evil of sin — the 
nature and necessity of repentance — and of faith in Christ as the 
great atoning sacrifice for sin — and the necessity of a holy life — 
and the doctrines connected with these, are the principal truths 
in view of which persons were convinced of the error of their 
ways, and led to cast themselves at the footstool of sovereign 
mercy, and to choose that good part which can never be taken 
awav. Before the close of the year, 78 were added to the Church, 
and a considerable number who were led to cherish the hope of 
the gospel have not yet made a public profession of religion. It 
may be proper here to remark, that the Methodist Society, which 
exists within the local limits of this parish, shared extensively in 
this good work." 

In April 1828, the church voted to ■' co-operate with the Bible 
Society of Connecticut, in their benevolent design of supplying 
all the destitute families in this State with a copy of the scrip- 
tures ;" and appointed a committee of 14, also, " to ascertain the 
number of destitute famihes and individuals within the limits of 
this town ;" — a resolution not only indicative of true benevolence, 
but proceeding in the only right and truly benevolent way — first 
meeting our own wants, and then reaching around to meet the 
wants of others. 

On the 2d of May the subject of Temperance Societies was 
first brought before the attention of the church, by an overture 
presented by Timothy Chittenden from a conference of churches 
assembled at Avon the week previous, which he had attended as 
a delegate ; and after some deliberation, the church " considered 
it proper to take some measures for the purpose of exerting an 
influence against the customary and unnecesary use of ardent 
spirits," and appointed a committee " to take the subject into con- 
sideration, and recommend such a course as in their judgment it 
would be expedient for the church to pursue." 

From the beginning of 1828 down to April 1831 no special 



43 

manifestatiorViof divine influence were enjoyed. The church was 
harmonious and peaceful ; the means of grace were well attended ; 
and a few hopeful conversions from time to time occurred ; but 
generally speaking, it was a period of declension and indifference. 
Early in the last mentioned year, however, signs of returning life 
began to be observable. The spirit of prayer was awakened 
in the church ; a desire for the quickening influences of God was 
deeply and extensively felt, and an anxious solicitude for the con- 
version of impenitent sinners ; and it was resolved to adopt some 
measures by which, under God, ends so desirable and momen- 
tous might be obtained. In the month of April, accordingly " a 
convocation of ministers and members of neighboring churches 
was held in this place, commencing on the .5th and ending on the 
8th, which was attended with reviving influence upon the church, 
and the awakening of a number who had been without hope.' 
Eighteen, as the fruit of this revival, were added to the church on 
the 17th of July, and seventeen on the 4th of September. 

During the remaining years of Mr. Lathrope's ministry, cases 
of hopeful conversion and of admission to the church occurred ; 
but nothing claiming special notice in this brief sketch. In Sep- 
tember 1836, he received a call from the 2d Presbyterian Church 
in Auburn, N. Y., and was dismissed from iiis pastoral charge 
here, at his own request, on the 25th of October, to the deep re- 
gret of the people, and carrying with him the entire confidence 
and respect of the community, which he had secured by his iaith- 
ful and judicious ministry of 13 ye.Hs ; during which time 177 
were added to the church, 158 by profession and 19 by letter. 
He found it feeble through distractions — he left it strong and 
harmonious. . ■ ' ' ■ ■ ■' 

Delicacy would prevent me from speaking at large on his char- 
acter and ministry; but if I were to express in one word my 
impressions, I should say, the one was characterized by wisdom 
and independence, the other by conservatism. 

You will permit me to dismiss tlie remaining part of this historv 



44 



in a single sentence or two. Two weoJis after Mr. Lathrope's 
dismission, my first sennon was preached in this pulpit. On the 
14th of July 1837 I received a call to settle, and was ordained 
and installed pastor on the 27th of Septeinber. 

In the spring of 1839 the church experienced a time of refresh- 
ing from the presence of the Lord, when 37 were hopefull} 
turned to the Lord, and gathered into its bosom. The scenes of 
that time are yet fresh in the memory of us all ; and man)' doubt- 
less will recall them with delight to all eternity. 

During my ministry here, 85 have been added to the church. 
57 by profession and 28 by letter. 

The whole number of members received into this church, from 
its organization down to this day is 853, — 590 by profession and 
263 by letter. The present number of members is 271, 81 males 
and 190 females. 

The following are the names of those who have beeji Deacons 
of this church. 



Thomas Cliipman, cliosen January 4, 1745 



Hezekiah Camp, 
Joseph Bird, 
John Hutchinson, 
Matthias Kelsej-, 
David Jewel, 
Jol) Spencer, 
Natlianiel Biiel, 
Gideon Smith 
Milo Lee, 
Ehphalet Whittlesey 



probably in 1750 
« 1752 



died August 5, 1752. 

" November 24, 1791. 

" September 9, 1754. 

" April 26, 1780. 

" July22, 179G. [1786. 
removed to Durham, N. Y. 
died Februa.ry 20, 1800. 

" November 27, 1808. 



" 1755 

" " 1780 

" 1782 

« " 1787 

April 4, 1794 

October 31, 1800 

August 30, 1805 ; " April 29, 1829. 
April 25, 1822 
Timothy Chittenden, " September 5, 1828 

Previous to the election of Deacon Chittenden, the Deacons 
of this Church had entered on the duties of their oflSce without 
any special act of consecration. But the attention of the Church 
having been called to the subject, it was unanimously agreed that 
some such act was in accordance with scripture and the practice 
of our puritan fathers ; and accordingly, on the 5th of October, 
1829, Gideon Smith, Eliphalet Wiiittlesey and Timothy Chitten- 



45 

den, were set aj^art to tlieir office by special prayer, after a dis- 
course suitable to the occasion preached by the Pastor. 

In closing this rapid survey of the history of this Church, a 
single practical reflection or two must suffice. 

These hundred years, which we this day recount, have been 
in many respects the most momentous century since the birth of 
the Saviour. What mighty events, what wonderful clianges 
have taken place ! The world has been convulsed from its cen- 
tre to its circumference ; its continents and seas have been turned 
into one vast battle field ; kingdom.s have been destroyed ; dynas- 
ties have been extinguished ; thrones have been overturned ; the 
entire aspect of the world, morally and politically, has been chan- 
ged; but the little Churcli planted in the wilderness here, has 
lived and flourished, and cast out its branches on every side. 
Like the hardy oak, its roots have been fixed but the more firmly 
in the soil, by the very storms that were rocking every thing else 
around it to ruins. 

Of what untold blessings has that little Church been the source 
to this town ! The same hand that outspread these beautiful 
lakes and uprearcd these lofty mountains, as the beauty and 
charm of the natural landscape, planted this lowly vine to be the 
'' decus et tutamen," the glory and safety of the moral. And 
its leaves have been for the healing of the people, dropping balm 
and health on all around. Out of its bosom have streamed those 
benefits which have blessed and beautified our population, re- 
straining the fierce passions of the unsanctified, and iTsaking the 
wilderness, beneath the magic of its influence, to rejoice, and 
blossom, as tlic rose. Here the ears of the deaf have been 
unstopped, the eyes of the blind opened, the lips of the dumb 
unsealed, the chains of the demoniac broken, and the dead 
raised to life. If there has been aught of the beautiful and noble 
within our borders, aught in private or public life worthy of being 
loved and cherished, it has been owing solely and entirely to the 
influence, direct or indirect, of the gospel, and the presence of 



^t 



46 

the Christian Church. Slic is the salt which has kept society 
herefrom putrefaction — the secret bond which has held the dis- 
cordant elements together — the oil which has prevented the 
troubled waters from heaving into one perpetual storm of anar- 
chy — the conductor which has received and warded off the 
electric shocks of God's indignation. And the sagacity that has 
brought us wealth, and the prudence to manage it, and the indus- 
try to rob the mine of its ore, and the skill to smelt and fashion 
it into the hooked anchor or the revolutionary cannon,^' and all 
the intelligence and enterprise which have given us so goodly a 
standing among our neighbors ; to what are all these to be ascri- 
bed, but the same hallowing and enlightening influence ? Apart 
altogether from her spiritual boons, the Church has been the great 
temporal benefactor of this town beyond everything and all com- 
bined besides. But for her presence, there would have been no 
guiding ministry, no restraining grace, no reverence for the Sab- 
bath, no peaceful industry, no regard for law and order, no civi- 
lization worth the name. And never will be fully known or 
conceived, till the sea and the sepulchre give up their dead, the 
good, temporal and spiritual, which has been done for this town, 
during the departing century, by the Church, and the influences 
connected therewith. 

What will be its future history ? The times are dark and 
troublous ; " coming events cast their shadows before" — and 
they are shadows of evil omen ; all things are restless and unset- 
tled wherever we look ; the nations are reeling and staggering 
like a drunken man ; ■' the sea and the waves roaring ; men's hearts 
failing them for fear of those things which are coming on the 
earth." In what land are the elements of society at rest ? or if 
at rest, but slumbering to recruit and come forth anew for the 
onset, like the terrific pause, the momentary lulling of the winds, 
to burst again in the fury of the tornado. The surface of society 

* The first American cannon used in the Revolutionary war were c?vSt ' in this 
town. 



47 

is troubled in every nation under heaven ; and there is a heaving 
to and fro of the elements, which tells that the world is on the 
very borders of some great crisis in its history, in the throes of 
some awful transition, the first boilings of some terrible convul- 
sion, a time that shall try the staple of men's souls; and nothing 
shall prevent the Church of God from shipwreck amid the tur- 
moil, but the fragments of the cross of Christ which shall be left 
in her. 

What the fortunes of this Church shall be — whether it shall 
live and grow, and gather the children under the shadow of its 
wings as it did the fathers, or perish in the storms of that day of 
tribulation, no human eye can foresee. But only give us the 
spirit of our fathers — give us their heroic hearts and their 
unstaggering faith — give us their self-denial and tlieir submis- 
sive piety, their integrity in the dark day, and their humility in 
the bright — give us their love of order and their respect for law, 
in Ciiurch and in State — give us their family religion, and their 
filial reverence, and their mutual subordination, and their wil- 
lingness to be anything and to do anything for the sake of Jesus 
and his cause ; only give us these, and we have no fear for the 
permanence of their institutions. 

But let the spirit of oar fathers be lost ; let their memories 
cease to be reverenced, and their piety, because dressed in a 
lowly, antique garb, be ridiculed and laughed at ; let the great 
lessons of the past be neglected ; let the members of tiiis church 
forget its noble origin, and be prepared to sell their birthright hke 
Esau, for a mess of pottage, for some paltry wordly consideration ; 
let them sacrifice their christian character and consistency on the 
altar of worldly expediency, and subordinate the claims of Jesus 
and the interests of his cause to any earthly end whatever, private 
or public ; — and the days of 2'ion here are numbered, its walls 
will moulder, its pulpit be silent, its seats be vacant, its solemn 
feasts be deserted, and over all the desolation of a moral wilderness 
will reign, more hopeless and melancholy than that amid which 
our fathers first planted it. 



48 

Our only hope is in the God of our fathers. The prayers 
lifted up by them on behalf of their descendants are not dead, 
and never will die ; they are reposing with their bones in the 
graveyards of this town ; and these bones must first be torn from 
the bosom of our soil before we can forego the hope that those 
prayers shall be answered. His covenant is sure ; his promises 
are infallible ; his faithfulness is to all generations ; and we cling 
to the past as a pledge for the future. The vine which he planted 
here will live, we believe, till the consummation of time. Here 
old age shall worship leaning on its staff, and manhood pay the 
offering of its powers, and youth consecrate its earliest affections, 
and the song of praise be re-echoed from a thousand lips, when we 
and our children are silent in the dust. 

For the Church universal we have no fears. She is rooted in 
the clefts of the everlasting rock. The withered branch may be 
cut off, but the stock cannot die. The tempests that toss her 
branches to the heavens shall only howl their own death dirge ; 
and the weapons that assail her are doomed to be suspended on 
the boughs of the tree of life, memorials of their own impotence, 
and trophies of her victory. Convulsions, civil and religious, 
may rend the earth — judgments may descend on the pale 
horse — the billows of angry commotion may heave — and the 
elements of society may be turmoiled into one vast sea of confu- 
sion ; but there is One who rides upon the whirlwind, and directs 
the storm ; and his Church, the Church of the Pilgrims, shall 
ride safely upon the billows too, and live fresh and indestructible. 
It was for no chance or insignificant purpose that He brought 
them across the deep, and planted them in the wilderness, and 
enabled them to battle with savage nature and more savage man: 
but for a great and express purpose ; for the sake of opening a 
new and wonderful act in the drama of his providence; for the 
sake of tlie free institutions ihey were to found, and the free 
born millions yet in their loins that were to live under them ; for 
the sake of a world they were to bless with the gift of the gos- 



4^ 

pel. That purpose is not yet fulfilled, but it will and must be. 
And till then, the Church of our Pilgrim Fathers, planted in faith 
and hope, shall maintain its stand, shall live and flourish, despite 
every opposing element, and every untoward event. "As we 
look back along the dim pathway of their darkness and danger 
in the past, we behold the bright token of His presence and care 
for the future, in the words which the three vines planted on the 
Connecticut delighted to bear aloft upon their banner," " Qui 
transtulit sustinet" — He who brought over, maintains. Here 
is the security of Zion — the promise and ^jledge of God. " No 
weapon formed against thee shall prosper." " I will be to thee 
a wall of fire on every side, and the glory in the midst of thee." 
God has said it, and that is enough. 

One hundred years ago, this goodly habitation of ours was a 
wilderness, relieved only by a few straggling patches of cultiva- 
ted verdure ; and now "behold what God hath wrought" ! One 
hundred years hence, shall it be trembling beneath the tread of 
the Avenger " that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments 
from Bozrah" ? or reposing in the beauties of the new creation, 
under the sceptre of Messiah the Prince ? One hundred years 
ago, this wide land was the subject province of a foreign power ; 
and now, behold this fair Republic, with its own free eagle bear- 
ing aloft the stars and stripes, the emblems of our liberty and 
union ! One hundred years hence, shall that bright escutcheon 
be still waving proudly over us ? or shall these stars be quenched 
in darkness, or reeling madly along their separate orbits in anar- 
chy and repulsion ? The imagination takes wing, and we dread 
to follow. 

" Our fathers, where are they" ? All cradled at rest in the 
narrow house, waiting the trumpet call of the archangel. Their 
homes, their lowly temple, their youthful Pastor, their hallowed 
customs, their venerable forms — all are gone, but their names 
and the memory and influence of their virtues. We stand above 
their sepulchres — we seem to breathe the very atmosphere of 
7 



50 

the grave, the awful atmosphere of a century's sepulchres burst 
open ; and as the knell of the departing cycle dies away, a voice 
deep and solemn comes up from the thousand sleepers there, 
" Be ye faithful unto the death." We have entered into their 
labors ; what they sowed in tears, we now reap in joy ; but the 
stream of time flows on in mysterious silence, and ere long we 
too shall sleep in the same sepulchre. We ask for no marble 
monument or sculptured epitaph ; let our monument be in the 
hearts and memories of our descendants, and our epitaph, " These 
all died in faith." And if in the rolling of years our children 
shall meet to commemorate the events of the opening century, 
may they be able to say of us, as we can this day proudly say of 
our fathers, " They were true to their trust." 

" All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of 
grass ; the grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away ; 
but the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the 
word which by the gospel is preached unto you." 



NOTES 



Note A, Page 11 • 

The question has often been asked why Mr. Lee was ordained by a select Coun- 
cil, instead of the Consociation ; and as much misapprehension prevails on the 
subject, tire present appears to be a suitable occasion for giving an explication of 
it. 

The practice of ordaining and dismissing by consociation is of recent date, and 
has as yet been adopted by only three or four consociations in the State. The 
churches indeed, are all consociated, — with one or two exceptions — and are pro- 
hibited from going without the bounds of the particular consociation to which they 
belong for a Council ; but they are under no obligation to invite all the Pastors and 
delegates of the sister churches in that Consociation, but may select which of them 
they please. Of course, when the church in Salisbury was organized and Mr. 
Lee ordained their pastor, a select council was called. They had a perfect righ^ 
to do so ; and there was, and could be, nothing ecclesiastically irregular or illegal 
in the matter. That they designed to walk orderly is evident from the fact that 
they appointed one of their number, (Thomas Chipman,) -'a commitleeman in 
behalf of the town to treat with the Association of this county, to see if it would 
be agreeable to their opinions to settle Mr. Lee ;" and subsequently, by a vote, 
passed obviously after the permission of the Association had been asked, they 
appointed a further Committee of three, " to make application to such Elders and 
their messengers to officiate in the ordainingof Mr. Lee, as they might be directed 
to send to in behalf of the town." 

About this time, it will be recollected, " The Great Av/akening," as it is called, 
took place, and was violently opposed by the great body of ministers throughout 
New England. A goodly number, however, sympathized with it, and openly 
countenanced and supported it. Among these were the gentlemen invited to ordain 
Mr. Lee, — gentlemen as eminent as any in the county for the soundness of their 
faith and the depth of their piety, and who, with Edwards and his friends, were 
anxious to arouse the churches from the slumber of a dead orthodoxy, into which 
through the influence of the half way covenant, and other corrupting causes, they 
had almost universally fallen. The views of Mr. Lee and the church in Salisbury 
harmonized with those of these men ; and hence the selection which they made in 
calling the council. The fact that the church was organized, (as stated by Trum- 
bull,) on the Cambridge platform, and that Mr. Lee was associated from time to 
time with that class of ministers, prove to which party they belonged. They pre- 
ferred independency to coming under the control of those semi-Armenians, who 



52 

by means of the Saybrook platform, opposed evangelical preaching and the revi- 
vals of that period. Not that there was any material difference between the theol- 
ogy of the Cambridge and the Saybrook platforms ; but m eely that they might 
vindicate their christian liberty and express their religious preferences, in opposi- 
tion to those, who, under pretence of sound doctrine and a zeal for the ecclesiasti- 
cal constitution of the colony, were laboring to arrest " the great awakening," and 
to put down practical and experimental piety. 

" The effort to enforce the universal reception of the Saybrook platform seems to 
have been vigorous and determined. A new church was formed at Salisbury on 
the Cambridge platform, and Rev. Jonathan Lee was ordained as itspnstor in 1744. 
The Association of New Haven County reprimanded the church for adopting that 
platform, and suspended Messrs. Humphreys of Derby, Leavenworth of Water- 
bury, and Todd of Northbury, from the ministry, for assisting in the ordination. 
The ordination, however, could not be annulled. In 17GG, Lee was still pastor at 
Salisbury, and preached the election sermon before the legislature. Humphreys 
was at one time expelled from the Association, for preaching to a Baptist Cliurch." 

Such is the statement of Tracy in his " Great Awakening," page 311 ; and a 
similar record is found in Trumbull's History of Connecticut, vol. 2d, page 196. 
And thus a transaction which has been the occasion of all manner of surmises and 
misrepresentations, and brought much suspicion on Mr. Lee and the church in this 
place, turns out to be alike honorable to both, and in reality one of the brightest 
passages in the history of the Congregational Church in New England. They 
cast in their lot with the faithful few, who were seeking the revival of God's work 
in the midst of the years, and zealously laboring in preaching the great Calvinistic 
doctrines in theirpractical and experimental power: and rather than give the least 
countenance to the enemies of this work, who, under the cover of zeal for the Say- 
brook platform, concealed their designs against it, ihey rejected that instrument 
though doctrinally sound and unexceptionable in itself, and adopted the Cambridge 
platform, the organ of the evangelical christians of that day, and thus declared 
themselves willing to endure any public odium which the dominant and dom- 
ineering party might see fit to cast upon them. They were censured, not because 
they acted disorderly or contrary to any ecclesiastical canon in calling a select 
council — for there was no law then on the subject ; but simply and .solely because 
they would not bow down to the Baal of a dead uniformity, and preferred the cause 
of sound doctrine as embodied in the Calv^nistic system to the Armenian and Pel- 
agian sentiments with which the majority of the Association were infected. For 
the Armenian leanings of the ministers of the county, see Trumbull's history, vol. 
2d, page 518. And the three ministers, who officiated at the ordination of Mr. Lee 
were suspended from the ministry on the same ground ; not "because they did it 
without the previous advice of the association," as was ostensibly given out — for 
such permission was made necessary by no ecclesiastical law, and was merely a 
convenient excuse got up by their opponents for the occasion, to give some color 
of consistency to their violent proceedings ; butbecause they were evangelical and 
Calvanistic in their views, and friendly to the great work of grace, which began 
under Edwards at Northampton, and was continued and extended by the labors of 
Whitefield and others. 



53 > 

Note B, Page 13. 

Thomas Chipman emigrated from Barnstable, Mass. to Groton in this State; 
and from Groton to Salisbury in 1711. " He settl'ed near Lambs iron works, and 
was a proprietor in the saw mill and grist mill there. He erected the house now 
standing which for many years was the residence of the Johnston family." He 
and Samuel Beebe and John Hutchinson were chosen " a committee to treat with 
Mr. Lee for the appointing the time and place for his ordination ; and also to make 
application to such elders and their messengers to officiate in the ordaining of Mr. 
Lee as they might be directed to send to in behalf of the town." He was appoint- 
ed al-so "a committeeman in behalf of the town to treat with the Association of 
this county, to see if it would be agreeable to their opinions to settle Mr. Lee in 
this town." He was the first deacon of the church, the first Justice of the Peace 
in the town, Treasurer and a Selectman in 1744, and was appointed an associate 
Judge of this county, but died August the 5th, 1752, in the G5th year of his age, 
before he had entered upon the duties of the office. 

Benajah Williams, a leading man in the town of Gosheu and one of the select- 
men chosen at the first town meeting there in December 1739, came here in 1742, 
and settled near the Furnace Pond. He was one of our most esteemed and trusted 
citizens. He was a Selectman in 1743, and one of a committee of three appointed 
by the town in December of that year, "to build and finish" the log house in 
which Mr. Lee was to reside, and in which he was ordained. He was appointed 
also, in conjunction with Thomas Newcorab, Thomas Chipman, John Smith and 
Samuel Beebe, " to provide for the ministers and messengers that should assist in 
the ordination of Mr. Lee, upon the town's cost." He was a Lister in 1744, and 
one of the two special agents sent to the General Assembly in October of tliat 
year, to get an explanation of the land tax of the previous year. The Tickner 
family are descended from him by a female branch. 

Joseph Parks was originally from Middletown. He first moved to Sharon, and 
settled on the place owned by the heirs of the late Samuel Beecher there ; and 
from Sharon he came to Salisbury in 1744, and settled near where the mill of 
Nehemiah Clark now stands. He owned one half of the saw mill and grist mill 
there. He had two sons. Smith and Daniel: — Smith remained in Sharon till 1780 
when he removed to New Canaan, N. Y., where he died;— Daniel sold his prop- 
erty in Sharon in 17G2, and left the town. Further than this I have been unable 
to find any traces of Mr. Parks or his descendants. 

Samuel Goodrich came from Sharon, as early as the incorporation of the town. 
He was the eldest son of William Goodrich, who emigrated from Wethersfield to 
Litchfield, where he remained ten years; and from thence heremoved to Sheffield, 
Mass., and finally to Sharon in 1738. Where he resided I have been unable to 
ascertain ; his brother Jared owned a tract of land lying at the^north end of 
Tom's Hill. He was a Lister and Constable in 1742, and held the last of these 
•offices for three years in succession. None of his descendants, so far as I know, 
now remain in town; although many branches of the family are to be found both 
in Sharon and Sheffield. He died about the year 1770; and his widow, Abigail, 
was dismissed by letter to the church in Sheffield, in 1771. 

Nathaniel Skinner came from Sharon in the spring of 1743, He was the eldest 



54 

son of Esquire Skinner of the same name, wiio was the first magistrate, the first 
town clerk, and the first deacon of the church in that town. He purchased in 
company with John Hutchinson, from Thomas Lamb, the farm lately owned by 
John Brinsmaid; and he owned also " the farm on the side of the mountain about 
one mile and a half north-west of the meeting house, and since owned by Reuben 
Chapin." He was elected a Selectman the same year in which he moved into 
the town, and continued to be one of our most prominent men for many years 
His daughter Rebecca was married to Moore Bird, and, after his death, to Capt. 
Timothy Chittenden, the ancestor of the present Chittenden family. 

Thomas Austin emigrated from Sufiield to Sheffield, Mass., and from Shefiield 
to Salisbury in 1741. He was admitted " a town inhabitant" by special vote at 
the first town meeting; was the first Constable and Collector in the town, and a 
Lister in 1743. He was a bloomer at Lamb's iron works, and resided in that neigh- 
borhood. He had a numerous family, but none of his descendants, I believe, are 
now to be found in this town. Deacon Thomas Chipman was married to a 
sister of this gentleman. 

John Hutchinson, afterwards deacon of the church, came from Lebanon in 1743, 
and settled on the Brinsmaid farm, but removed soon afterwards to the farm where 
his Grandson, Myron Hutchinson, now resides. He was elected town clerk in 
1747, and held the office every year successively till 1778, when his son, the late 
Asa Hutchinson, was appointed in his room, and held the office till 1816. He 
was also a Justice of the Peace for many years. He had a numerous family, and 
died April 26, 1780, in the 69th year of his age. John, his eldest son, was a sol- 
dier in the French War, and died at the German Flats, on his way home from 
Oswego, October 19, 1760, in the 19th year of his age. 

Caleb Woodworth came here from Guilford about the year 1738, and settled 
near the Orehill. He was a Tything man in 1742 and a Grand Juror in 1744. 
He had ten children, six sons and four daughters. Josiah Woodworth our respect- 
ed fellow-townsman, is his grandson by Cerenius, his fourth son. 

Ephraim Culver came from Litchfield in the spring of 1743, and settled some- 
where between the Town Plot on town hill and the old ore grant, probably near 
the old brick house known as the Fitch place. He was elected a Lister in the 
autumn of that year, and a Surveyor of Highways in 1744. His wife, Hannah, 
died January 20, 1745; and he was married again June I2th of the same year to 
Elizabeth Smith of Salisbury ; but I have been unable to find any traces of his 
descendants. 

Jonathan Chipman was, I believe, the youngest son of Deacon Thomas Chip- 
man, and came with his father to the town in 1711, but removed with his brothers, 
Thomas, John, Samuel and Amos, to Vermont before the Revolution. He died 
at the age of 91. 

Whether any of these ten individuals joined the church by a public profession 
of their faith at the time it was organized, it is impossible to say definitely ; but 
we think it highly probable, that most if not all of them, joined it by letters of 
recommendation from the churches in the respective towns from which they emi- 
grated. 



55 

If 

Note C, Page 14. ' . . 

The following are tha names of the ministers who have been born or educated 
here: — James Hutchinson, Samuel Camp, Chauncey Lee, D.D., Henry P. Strong, 
Horace Holley, D. D. , — all deceased ; — William L. Strong, residing in Fayette- 
ville, N. Y., Isaac Bird, Professor of Sacred Literature in Cilmanton Theologi- 
cal Seminary, JS. H., and formerly missionary to Syria; Jonathan Lee, residing 
in Salisbury ; George A. Calhoun, Pastor of the Congregational Church in North 
Coventry, Conn. ; Edward HoUister, teaching in Griggsville, Illinois ; Edwin 
Holmes, Pastor of the Baptist church m Nassau, N. Y. ; Edmund Janes, Bishop of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church ; Edwin Janes, Methodist Itinerating Preacher; 
Joseph Pettee, preaching in Abingdon, Mass. ; Josiah Turner, Pastor of the 
Congregational Church in Great Barrington, Mass. ; and Eliphalet Whittlesey, 
Missionary to the Sandwich Islands. 

Note D, Page 17. 

Rev. Jonathan Lee, the sixth and youngest child of David and Lydia Lee, was 
born in Coventry, Conn., July 10, 1718. His parents came from Northampton, 
Mass., to that place in 1709, where his mother died six days after his birth, and 
where his father married his second wife, and lived till about 1730, when they 
removed to Lebanon, Conn. He graduated at Yale College in 1742; studied the- 
ology with Rev. Solomon Williams of Lebanon; was licensed to preach the 
gospel in the summer of 1743 ; preached his first sermon in the pulpit of Mr. Wil- 
liams ; and came soon afterwards to Salisbury while it contained only eighteen 
English families. He was married September 3, 1744, to Elizabeth Metcalf, step 
daughter of President Ciapp, of Yale College, by whom he had seven children, 
and again November 22, 1762 to Mrs. Love Graham Brinkerhoff of Woodbury, 
by whom he had three children. Mylo, the fourth son and last child by his first 
wife, became a deacon of this church ; and the first child by his second wife was 
Rev. Chauncey Lee, D. D. author of a volume of Revival Sermons, a metrical 
paraphrase of the book of Job, entitled " The Trial of Virtue," and other occa- 
sional productions. Mr. Lee was regarded as a man of eminent standing in the 
ministry, and preached the election sermon before the Legislature in 17G6. He 
died October 8, 1788, after a few week's sickness of inflammatory swelling : and his 
funeral sermon was preached by Mr. Farrand of Canaan. 

Rev. Joseph Warren Grossman, the second pastor of this church, was born in 
Taunton, Mass., August 7, 1775, of pious and respectable parents. His father 
was for many years a deacon of the church in that place. His birth happening 
about the time of the battle of Bunker Hill, he received the name of the illustrious 
Warren who fell there in the cause of his country. He pursued his early studies 
at the Grammar School in his native place; graduated at Brown University, R. I., 
in 1795 ; commenced the study of theology immediately afterwards with Rev. 
Ephraim Judson of Sheffield, Mass.; was licensed to preach the gospel by the 
Berkshire Association in June 1796; and came to Salisbury as a candidate soon 
after, spending almost the entire year here previous to his settlement. He was 

L.ofC. 



56 

married January 14, 1793 to Lucy, daughter of Benajah Strong, Esq., of Coven- 
try, by whom he had 5 children, all of whom survived him. He preached his last 
sermon on Thursday, the 26th of November, 1812, being the day of public 
Thanksgiving ; and continued to decline rapidly from that time till the morning 
of Sabbath, December 13th; when he resigned his spirit and fell asleep in Jesus, 
as calm and peaceful as the day that was just breaking on the world. Several 
times in the course of the day previous he exclaimed, " Neither count I my life 
dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which 
I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God," and 
the last words which he was heard to utter distinctly were, as his family hung 
weeping over him, " what is earthly happiness compared with eternal felicity, I 
shall go, and you must soon follow. Be faithful." His funeral was attended on 
the I5th, when a suitable sermon was preached by Mr. Perry of Sharon, to a 
numerous and deeply affected assembly, from the 2d Kings, 13, 14. " Now Elisha 
was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died. And Joash the King of srael 
came down unto him, and ivept over his face, and said, " my father, ray father, 
the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof!" 

Rev. Lavius Hyde, the third Pastor, was born in Franklin, Conn., January, 1789 ; 
graduated at Williams' College in 1813 : Studied theology at Andover Theologi- 
cal Seminary, Mass., was ordained and installed in Salisbury March, I8l8 ; was 
dismissed August 1822 ; was settled soon after in Ellington ; and is now pastor of 
the Congregational Church in Becket, Mass. 

Rev. Leonard E. Lathrope, D. D., the fourth pastor, was born in Hebron, (Gil- 
ead Society,) Conn., August 26, 1796 ; graduated at Middlebury College in 1815 ; 
studied theology principally with Dr. Matthews of New York city ; was ordained 
and installed pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, N. C, in 1819 ; 
was dismissed from that place in 1823; was installed in Salisbury February 1825 -, 
and dismissed thence in October 1836 to Auburn, N. Y., where he has remainea 
since Pastor of the 2d Presbyterian Church there. 

Rev. Adam Reid, the fifth and present pastor, was born in Wishawtown, Lan- 
arkshire, Scotland, January 4, 1808 ; graduated at Glasgow University in 1827 ; 
studied theology at the Relief Theological Hall in Paisley under the tuition of 
Rev. James Thomson, D. D. ; was licensed to preach the gospel by the Glasgow 
Relief Presbytery October 4, 1831; emigrated to the United States in May 1835; 
preached for the first twelve months after his arrival, in Ameniaville, Dutchess 
County, N. Y. ; and was ordained and installed in Salisbury September 27, 1837. 

Note E, Page 19. 
The representation here given of the uncomfortable condition of the old 
meeting house, and the apparent insensibility of our fathers to the severities of 
winter in their attendance on public worship, requires a word of explanation. — 
While they knew nothing of the luxury of a stove and the [comforts so common 
in our churches at the present day, and regarded them far less than we do; yet 
they were not wholly neglectful of bodily comfort, and sought it in such ways as 
the fashion of the times taught them. They erected near the meeting house save- 



57 

ral small buildings, called Sabba-day hoiiscs, or noon houses, the object of which 
was to afford them and their families a comfortable retreat during the interval 
between forenoon and afternoon public services. Judge Church speaks of these 
houses and their uses in his Centennial Address, Page 36 ; but for the sake of 
variety, I extract the following graplic and more particular account of them 
from the Centennial Address of the late Rev. Grant Powers of Goshen, page 47. 
" These houses generally consisted of two rooms, ten or twelve feet square, with 
a chimney in the centre between them, and a fire-place in each room. They 
were generally built at the united expense of two or more families. Dry fuel 
was kept in each house, ready for kindling a fire. On the mornirg of the Sab- 
baih, the owner of each room deposited in his saddle-bags the necessary refresh- 
ment for himself and family, and a bottle of beer, or cider, and took an early 
start for the sanctuary. He first called at his Sabba-day house, built him a fire, 
deposited his luncheon, warmed himself and family, and at the hour of worship, 
they were all ready, to sally forth, and to shiver in the cold, during the morning 
services, at the house of worship. At noon they returned to their Sabba-day 
houses with some invited friends perhaps, where a warm room received them ; 
the fire having been in operation during the morning exercises. The saddle-bags 
were now brought forth, and their contents discharged upon a prophets table, of 
which all partook a little, and each in turn drank at the bottle. This ser- 
vice being performed, and thanks returned, the Patriarch of the family drew from 
his pocket the notes he had taken during the morning service, and the sermon 
came under renewed and distinct consideration, all enjoying the utmost freedom 
in their remarks. Sometimes a well chosen chapter, or paragraph was read from 
an author, and the service was not unfrequently concluded by prayer ; then all 
returned to the sanctuary to seek a blessing there. If the cold was severe, the 
family might return to their house to warm them before they sought their habita- 
tion. The fire was then extinguished, the saddle-bags and the fragments were 
gathered up, the house locked, and all returned to their home." 

One of these Sabba-day houses is yet standing, in the rear of the house occu- 
pied by Mrs. Lucy Bushnell. It was built and owned by the Camp and Chapin 
families, and stood originally a few yards north cf where Moses Wells now lives. 

8 



^ THE CELEBRATION 



The centennial celebration of the Congregational Church, in 
Salisbury, Ct., was held Nov. 20th, 1844, three days earlier than 
the date of the organization, for the sake of accommodating our 
friends from abroad. Special invitations had been given to the 
former Pastors, to those who had been called to the Pastoral 
charge, and to those ministers who had been members of the 
Church, or had originated in the town. Numbers of these hon- 
ored and beloved servants of our common Lord, with several 
Pastors in the vicinity, and members of neighboring Churches, 
favored us with their attendance. Letters were also read, which 
had been received from Prof. Goodrich, of Yale College, from 
the Rev. Isaac Bird, Professor in the Theological Seminary in 
Gilmanton, N. H., and from Rev. Edward Hollister, of Griggs- 
ville, Illinois, in which they expressed their deep interest in the 
occasion, and their thanks for the invitation, and their regrets at 
their necessary absence. 

The occasion was one of deep and intense interest, and called 
forth mingled emotions of joy and sorrow. It brought vividly to 
view scenes in the dispensations of God's providence and grace 
towards this Church, indelibly engraven upon the memories and 
hearts of many, and which were full of instruction and admoni- 
tion. The history of the church was given in a discourse by the 
Pastor, Rev. Adam Reid, in which the prominent facts were 
detailed, in order, accompanied by delineations of the character 
and habits of our venerable ancestors, interspersed with pertinent, 



60 

impressive and eloquent remarks, to which a large audience listen- 
ed, with unwonted solemnity and gratification. It also waked up 
many a sacred thought of childhood and youth, to hear again the 
silver tones of the Rev. Timothy M. Cooley, D. D., of Granville, 
Mass., who had preached as a candidate for the ministry, in this 
town, forty-nine years before, and had then been invited to become 
pastor of the church, but had declined the call. The invocation, 
reading of the scriptures, the first prayer, and the reading of the 
first hymn were by this revered father in the ministry. The 
hymn, composed for the occasion by Rev. Jonathan Lee, grand- 
son of the first pastor was as follows : 

I. 
Where erst the red man roamed the woods. 

And hurl'd the fealher'd dart, 
Or o'er some hapless victim stood, 

To pierce his trembling heart. 
Jehovah's glorious name we praise, 

And at his altar bow, 
And while we muse on ancient days 
Renew each solemn vow. 

II. 
Through perils of the wintry sea, 

Our pilgrim fathers came, 
To worship God with conscience free. 

Unmoved by gold or fame ; 
And where the wolf and panther prow.'d 

They sought his sheltering wing, 
And there no storm that fiercely howl'd, 

To them could terror bring. 

III. 
The Puritans, a sacred band, 

No Ghostly lordship own'd. 
But meekly bow'd to Christ's command, 

Whose blood for sin atoned ; 
Not lofty domes of pomp and power. 

Bore witness to their prayer, 
But dwelling's rude, at sacred hour, 

Confess'd that God was there. 



61 ^ . 

IV, 

Our fathers' God, our thanks we pay, 

That here thy church arose, 
To share thy love, and own thy sway, 

Secure from all her foes ; 
That church has seen a century's flight, 

While kingdoms rose and fell, 
And though their thrones are sunk in night, 

She lives thy power to tell. 

V. 

Her table in the wilderness, 

By thy kind hand was spread, 
Jjf With heavenly food her sons to bless, / 

As Israel's tribes were fed; 
And in afflictions darkest day. 

Her Shepherd as of old. 
Led on the flock, in his right way, 

And guarded well the fold. 

VI. 

Our fathers' God, their children own. 

Nor frown us from thy face. 
Look down and bless us from thy throne, 

And show thy power and grace ; 
And though in dust we soon shall dwell, 

Still bless thy heritage. 
That sons to sons thy love may tell, ^ 

Through ev'ry coming age. 

There was also sung, before the discourse, Ps. 46th, L. M., 
in the tune of old Greenwich ; and in an interval of its delivery, 
Ps. 78th, C. M., Rouse's Version, was sung, in the tune of Bur- 
iord, the successive lines being rehearsed, as anciently, by Deacon 
Eliphalet Whittlesey. 

PSALM 78, C. M. Rodse's Version. 

1. 
Attend, my people to my law. 
There to give thou an ear, 
Tlie words that from my mouth proceed, 
Attentively do hear. 



62 
II. 

My mouth shall speak a parable, 

And sayings dark, of old. 
The same which we have heard and known 

And us our father's told. 

III. 
We also them will not conceal 

From their posterity ; 
Them to the generation 

To come declare will we. 

IV. 

His testimony and his law 

In Israel he did place, * 

And charged our fathers it to show, 

To their succeeding race. 

V. 

That so the race which was to come, 

Might them well learn and know. 
And sons unborn, who should arise 

Might to their sons them show. 

IV. 

That they might set their hope in God, 

And suffer not to fall. 
His mighty works out of their mind, 

But keep his precepts all. 

Prayers were offered, by the Rev. George A. Calhoun of Cov- 
entry, Conn., and by Rev. William L. Strong, in the course of the 
exercises. 

After a short intermission, the church, with their attendant 
invited christian friends, sat down at the table of their divine Lord. 
Hymn 116th, in the Christian Psalmody, was sung, in the tune 
of Plymouth, line by line. Rev. Lavius Hyde, of Becket, Mass., 
officiated in the administration of the bread, and made a tender 
and touching reference to the first communion season of the 
Church, and brought home to the bosom of each communicant, 
the privileges transmitted from their pious fathers, and all flowing 



63 

from the fountain of the Redeemer's blood. The Rev. J. Lee 
gave thanks and presented the cup ; and in the part so courteously 
assigned him, the hallowed association of thought and feehng 
clus'tered in the service, recalling the venerable grandparent who 
first broke the bread to this then little church in the wilderness, 
a maternal greatgrandfather, and a beloved father who had officia- 
ted as deacons here, rendered the occasion, to himself, personally, 
one of surpassing tenderness and solemnity. The preceding 
exercises had been attended with a constantly growing interest, 
and we had now arrived at the acme, the crowning act of this 
holy festival. It was opening the door through which the celes- 
tial part of the family, and that remaining on earth, seemed for 
a few moments, to have the privilege of exchanging sweet smiles, 
and even of passing through, to hold converse, and bow before 
their common Lord, both theirs and ours. The sun was hastening 
beyond our western hills, and though like the disciples on the 
mount, we would fain have lingered, we must needs arise and 
depart. We sung, with full hearts and full voices, « All hail the 
crreat mmanuel's name," &c., in the tune of old Coronation ; 
and with the blessing of our fathers' God invoked, we retired 
from this " feast of fat things," well assured, that we should never 
enjoy another like it, while we tabernacle in the flesh. 

A large and attentive audience was convened in the evening 
of the day, to which the Rev. Leonard E. Lathrope, D. D., of Au- 
burn N. Y., preached a solemn discourse, from the words, "Our 
fathers, where are they ? and the prophets, do they live forever?" 



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